Barcelona have been searching for a new star striker, as they prepare for Robert Lewandowski’s inevitable departure in the next couple of years. Among those linked in recent months, the dream signing – especially for president Joan Laporta – is Manchester City’s Erling Braut Haaland.
Haaland is a player who is currently out of reach, but with each passing week, Barcelona are improving their finances and after moving into their new economy significantly before Lewandowski leaves, there is a chance that he could be approached. However, their projected hunt is to be made more difficult.
According to reports in England (via Sport), Haaland is close to completing a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Manchester City, which will also increase his salary. Furthermore, his release clause will be increased to at least 200 million euros.
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There is still a small chance for Barcelona to get hold of Haaland at some point, but managing it is becoming increasingly difficult.
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta is tired of being ill off, or rather, having to tell everyone they can’t afford it anymore, the budget for 2024/2025 is 893 million euros in operating revenues and 873 million euros in operating costs. The club is doing so well in La Liga and the Champions League under Hansi Flick that experts believe they will earn a lot more.
And the salary shouldn’t be a problem really, Barcelona have two players who earn more than Erling Braut Haaland in their current deal. Frenkie de Jong earns €37.5 million, while Robert Lewandowski is paid €33.3 million.
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Later today, Norway will host Kazakhstan at Ullevaal Stadion in the Nations League with Erling Braut Haaland as captain as Martin Ødegaard is out injured.
