Barcelona are 'ready' to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City this summer, according to a board member, despite the club’s well-documented financial difficulties. Joan Soler, a long-serving member of the board under president Joan Laporta, told Cadena SER that the La Liga champions could afford the Norway striker.
“Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland,” Soler said. “These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona's finances are ready for it.” Haaland, 25, has long been viewed as Laporta’s dream signing, though he signed a new contract with Manchester City last season that runs until 2034.
Laporta faces re-election on March 15 and is the favourite to win, but rival candidates have criticised him for overstating Barcelona’s financial position. The club is more than £1 billion in debt, owes outstanding transfer fees, and is still rebuilding the Camp Nou. Soler, however, dismissed those concerns, adding: “At the end of the day, Barca must be very careful about the commitments it makes regarding its wage structure. We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it.”
Barcelona are exploring the striker market as Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires in June. Julian Alvarez is an alternative to Haaland, but Atletico Madrid have reportedly quoted an eye-watering £174.5 million price tag. City team-mate Omar Marmoush has also been identified as a more affordable target, with the 25-year-old considered a good fit for Hansi Flick’s system.
To fund new signings, sporting director Deco plans to sell Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Ansu Fati. Reducing Lewandowski’s wages or offloading him entirely would also free up cash. Barcelona also have a £26 million option to buy Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United.
