Erling Haaland could become the third most expensive transfer of all time, after Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, whose entire sums Manchester City have linked him to in his contract.
There is less that ties Erling Braut Haaland to Manchester City after Pep Guardiola decided to take a very long vacation this summer. Although new manager Enzo Maresca also centers the game around the Norwegian striker and Cherki has taken over much of Rodri’s role as the ultimate ball distributor, things are not the same as before.
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There have been rumours throughout the summer that Erling Haaland is considering leaving Manchester City, the assessment has reportedly turned into a decision in recent weeks.
It’s Barcelona lurking in the wings, they also have a legacy from Pep Guardiola, a legacy that makes them one of the world’s very best clubs.
Erling Haaland (26) is reportedly dissatisfied with the sporting direction of Manchester City under Enzo Maresca. According to Sky Sports, the Norwegian’s agents have already had informal meetings with Barcelona – and a transfer could be considered as early as 2027.
Erling Haaland plans to leave Manchester City at the end of the 2026/27 season, after expressing dissatisfaction with the sporting direction under Enzo Maresca’s leadership. That could mean a radical shift in the transfer market for City.
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According to information from The Sun, the Norwegian striker’s agents have already held informal meetings in both London and Paris with envoys from FC Barcelona. The Catalan big club is now considering triggering the buyout clause of 175 million euros that is enshrined in Haaland’s contract.
The discontent at Manchester City – and the road to Barcelona
The Norwegian international striker is in his fifth season in the Premier League for Manchester City, a league where he has already won every official title since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. But the striker is not satisfied with the latest moves in the club’s management at the Etihad Stadium – and especially Maresca’s arrival as a replacement for Pep Guardiola is highlighted as the trigger for the dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Joan Laporta and Deco are working to bring in a top striker, after the possibility of Julián Álvarez was blocked by Atlético Madrid’s refusal to negotiate. Haaland’s profile fits into Barcelona’s budget, as the €175 million buyout clause will be activated in 2027 – a sum similar to what was originally proposed for the Argentine striker.
Haaland’s decision on his future at City
Rejects Real Madrid – prefers Flick’s project
Despite speculation about a possible move to Barcelona’s eternal rival, the City striker has ruled out a move to the Santiago Bernabéu. The player believes that the simultaneous presence of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande upsets the balance between the roles in Real Madrid’s dressing room.
The striker is instead prioritizing joining Hansi Flick’s project at Barcelona, where he believes he will be the absolute focal point of the attack. The player’s desire to compete in LaLiga EA Sports strengthens Barcelona’s position to speed up negotiations.
The player’s representatives and envoys from the Catalan club are due to hold another round of talks during the international break in March 2027. Barcelona’s management plans to set the payment structure for the €175 million buyout clause before formally presenting the proposal to Manchester City’s top management at the end of the current season.
