The Spanish newspaper El Nacional has picked up a piece of information about Erling Braut Haaland that surprises. The Norwegian goal machine who was back in the starting line-up for today’s goalless game against Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium is said to have chosen the next stop, and it will not be Real Madrid.
Actually, ever since Haaland left Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2022 for 60 million euros, there has been talk of Real Madrid. If we are to speculate, it may have something to do with the fact that he has played for three years under Pep Guardiola, who was responsible for Barcelona’s heyday. (Maybe they leave together, Pep will be the only one who can push out Hansi Flick in the short term, who is doing a superb job.)
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The story of Erling Haaland and his possible transfer to FC Barcelona has gone from being a dream to an increasingly realistic possibility. Quietly, but with clear steps, the Norwegian striker has begun to set things in motion, and his closest circle is already hinting at what his preferred choice is: he wants to play in blue and garnet.
Haaland has always admitted that, after the Bundesliga and the Premier League, he would like to try his hand at La Liga – something that has so far only pointed in the direction of Real Madrid. A value of 200 million euros and a salary that is more than generous have excluded everyone else!. But according to several sources, the striker has rejected Real Madrid as a short- or mid-term target. The main reason is not finances or contract terms, but strategy and sporting considerations: As long as Vinícius is still in Madrid and Mbappé wants to play centrally, there is no room for the Norwegian.
In Barcelona, on the other hand, he sees a project where he can become the absolute leader in the new era Hansi Flick is building.
Haaland prefers Barcelona
While in Madrid he would have to adapt, at Camp Nou he would become an undisputed reference. With Lewandowski heading towards his final days as a Barça player, and no other big stars in attack, the pitch is open for Haaland to become the club’s new idol.
The Barcelona president, who already tried to lure him before signing for Manchester City, has kept the interest alive. He has strong arguments: a team built for him and Lamine Yamal, a young team with great potential, and a close friendship with Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimienta.
One year to get your finances in order
Of course, there is still a way to go. Barcelona will have to show in the coming months that they can maintain their economic recovery. The transfer will surely reach 150 million euros, in addition to his salary, which makes the signing far from easy. Considering that the plan is to launch the operation in 2026, when Lewandowski’s contract expires, Barcelona have enough time to strengthen their finances. The question is whether the club will make it.
In this context, the German coach’s strategy has led Barcelona back to a positive development, both on the pitch and in the administration. The Nike million-dollar deal, increased revenue from ticket sales, sponsors and the team’s commercial success have created a gradual stabilization. It’s not a wealthy club yet, but it’s no longer the financially sick club of two years ago. The message is clear: If everything falls into place, Haaland will be blue and grenade.
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