sportskeeda
JOAN LAPORTA is reportedly highly determined to secure the signing of Erling Haaland for Barcelona, seeing the Manchester City striker as the ideal successor to Robert Lewandowski.
The president of Barcelona is setting ambitious goals once again, with fresh reports from Spain indicating that the Catalan club is devising an impressive strategy to pursue Haaland next summer, despite facing persistent financial difficulties.
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Lewandowski, 37, is anticipated to leave when his contract ends at the season’s conclusion, three years after his transfer from Bayern Munich.
While the Polish forward continues to have a pivotal role this season, evidenced by his crucial brace off the bench against Valencia, new manager Hansi Flick is cautious with his playing time due to a preseason injury.
Ferran Torres has been contributing goals but questions remain about his ability to consistently lead the front line.
For this reason, Laporta, along with sporting director Deco, is eager to bring in a true No9, with Haaland firmly at the top of their wishlist.
According to Spanish source El Nacional, discussions have also touched on former City star Julian Alvarez, but Laporta’s primary focus remains on Haaland.
The Norwegian sensation, 24, recently signed an unprecedented ten-year deal with City in January, locking him in until 2034, with no release clause available.
He is reportedly earning £400,000 a week and has scored a staggering 111 goals in just 126 outings since his £51 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Haaland has already claimed two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy under Pep Guardiola, and many speculate that moving to La Liga could be his next career milestone, with Real Madrid being long-time admirers.
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Barcelona couldn’t match his price previously, but they have continued to keep an eye on him.
Despite their financial hurdles, El Nacional reports that Laporta remains optimistic.
New footage emerges of Barcelona’s incredible new 105,000-capacity Nou Camp as the stadium nears completion
He believes that any decline in City’s performance could lead Haaland to rethink his future, prioritizing a move for 2026.
Meanwhile, off the pitch, the situation remains challenging for Barca. Their much-anticipated return to the iconic Nou Camp has been further postponed.
They are now forced to play at the small 6,000-seater Estadi Johan Cruyff, leaving frustrated fans unhappy with the complications in the £1.25 billion stadium redevelopment.
