Erling Haaland is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, but that hasn't stopped Barcelona from registering their interest ahead of the summer transfer window
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 11: Erling Braut Haaland of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid v Manchester City at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Erling Haaland is a target for Barcelona(Image: Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Erling Haaland was the subject of talks between Manchester City and would-be Barcelona chiefs on Wednesday. Victor Font, who's aiming to become Barca's next president, intends to make City striker Haaland his top target if he beats the incumbent Joan Laporta in Sunday's election.
Haaland, 25, signed a new contract with City last year which keeps him at the Etihad until 2034. But the Norwegian's future remains the subject of speculation, particularly as it's unknown whether Pep Guardiola will be in charge of City next season.
Barcelona are looking to sign a striker this summer, with Robert Lewandowski on course to leave the La Liga champions when his contract expires in June. Haaland has long been touted as Laporta's dream signing, but potential successor Font is looking to get ahead of his rival.
Catalan outlet Sport reported that two members of Font's team, Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar, held talks with City's Ferran Soriano and Hugo Viana in Madrid, where City later lost their Champions League round-of-16 first leg 3-0 against Real. The two parties discussed a clause which would give Barcelona a preferential buy option on Haaland.
Any deal this summer would be difficult, as Barca continue to be financially restrained and still haven't completed their £1.25billion renovation of the Nou Camp. However, a member of Laporta's board recently insisted that Barcelona are 'ready' to sign the likes of Haaland and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.
Speaking to radio station Cadena SER, Joan Soler declared: "Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland. These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona's finances are ready for it."
Soler added: "At the end of the day, Barca must be very careful about the commitments it makes regarding its wage structure. We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it. We must sign players at market prices while keeping an eye on our wage structure."
A new striker doesn't necessarily mean the end for Lewandowski, though. Laporta, who beat Font in Barca's last presidential election in 2021, made it clear earlier this week that he wants to keep the 37-year-old for one more season.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 24: Manchester City's Norway forward Erling Haaland shakes hands with Barcelona's Polish forward Robert Lewandowski during the friendly charity match between FC Barcelona vs Manchester City at the Spotify Camp Nou stadium on August 24, 2022 in Barcelona. (Photo by Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Erling Haaland could be Robert Lewandowski's successor at Barcelona(Image: Adria Puig/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
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"He's a very talented player and a prolific goalscorer," Laporta explained. "As a token of my appreciation, I'd offer him another year on his contract.
"He came at a very difficult time, and despite his track record at Bayern [Munich], he pushed hard to come to Barca. He gave up a lot. We'll see what he wants to do, but I'd like him to stay another year if he wants to."