Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly ‘obsessed’ with signing Erling Haaland and believes the Manchester City striker can become Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor.
Reports in Spain claim the Catalan giants are plotting an audacious move for the Norwegian next summer despite their ongoing financial problems.
Lewandowski, 37, is out of contract on June 30 and is expected to leave at the end of the season after three years at the club.
Barca still believe the Poland international can be decisive in the current campaign, with his double off the bench against Valencia cited as proof, but coach Hansi Flick has already been managing his minutes following a pre-season injury.
Ferran Torres has stepped up with a run of goals but there are doubts at the Camp Nou over whether he can lead the line on a permanent basis. Laporta and sporting director Deco are therefore determined to bring in a new centre forward.
Spanish outlet El Nacional reports that while Julian Alvarez has been discussed internally, the president’s true focus is Haaland.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly ‘obsessed’ with signing Erling Haaland next summer
Reports in Spain claim the Catalan giants are plotting an audacious move for the Norwegian next summer despite their ongoing financial problems
The 24-year-old signed a staggering nine-year contract with City in January taking him through to 2034 and removing the release clauses from his previous deal.
He earns in the region of £400,000 a week and has scored 111 goals in 126 appearances since arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £51million in 2022, helping Pep Guardiola’s side win back-to-back Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Haaland’s decision to commit his best years to City was seen as a major blow to La Liga’s heavyweights. Real Madrid had long tracked him and it was widely believed his career plan included a spell in Spain. Barca, who could not afford him last time, have continued to monitor his progress.
Despite the cost of any deal and the club’s own financial restrictions, El Nacional report that Laporta remains optimistic.
He believes inconsistent results at the Etihad could tempt Haaland into a transfer request and has made signing him a priority for 2026.
Barcelona’s ambition comes as they face further disruption off the pitch. Their return to the revamped Nou Camp has once again been delayed, forcing them to host matches at the 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff and leaving fans frustrated at repeated setbacks in the £1.25billion redevelopment.
