Erling Haaland is linked to travel to Barcelona in 2026 (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Barcelona hopes to sign Man City striker Erling Haaland next summer. They strengthen their plans to replace Robert Lewandowski when he leaves. This is expected to happen at the end of this season.
Haaland has returned to his best early in the season, with nine goals in nine appearances (including the Club World Cup) – he scored six goals in two Norway matches during an international break. He is widely considered to be the best striker in world football, and Barcelona sees him as the ideal successor to Lewandowski.
Barcelona had a slight chance of signing Ehring Haaland
But as Pete O’Rourke (via Football Insider) revealed, it’s almost certain that Barcelona cannot afford him next summer.
“No, that’s very unlikely (he’s going to join Barcelona). I think he’ll be a dream sign that almost every club, Haaland and Man City are lucky enough to have him. He’s over 150m to praise him last year to keep him in Etihad, to praise him until 2034, to praise him until 2034.
“City doesn’t want to lose Starman. We know how important he is to Man City with five goals in four Premier League matches so far this season. He is undoubtedly the best striker in Europe.
“Barcelona wants the idea that Haaland has as a long-term alternative to Lewandowsky, but their financial issues will be very difficult for them.
It’s no surprise that Man City doesn’t have plans to sell Haaland, which they hope for in Real Madrid. If he stays for years to come, it’s not surprising that they’ll be back at their best after the 2024-25 offseason.