Barcelona are ready to stun the football world by launching an audacious move for Manchester City's superstar striker Erling Haaland, The Mirror can exclusively reveal.
The Catalan giants, under president Joan Laporta, are monitoring the evolving situation at the Etihad with intense interest. The Premier League's unprecedented 115 charges against City for alleged Financial Fair Play breaches have created a potential opening for one of Europe's elite clubs to pounce.
A Window of Opportunity
While a transfer for the prolific Norwegian goal-scorer remains a monumental challenge, Barcelona's hierarchy believes the ongoing uncertainty at City could force a reluctant sale. The club's financial levers, previously used to sign Robert Lewandowski, could be pulled once more for what would be the blockbuster signing of the decade.
Haaland's current contract includes a release clause, but it is not active until 2025. However, Barcelona's strategy hinges on the possibility that a severe punishment for City—such as points deductions or even expulsion—could destabilise the club and make key players reconsider their futures.
The Financial Juggling Act
Financing a deal for Haaland would require another masterclass in financial engineering from Laporta. The operation would likely involve a significant initial loan fee with a mandatory purchase obligation, similar to the structure used for other major signings. This allows Barcelona to navigate their well-documented financial constraints while still competing for the world's best talent.
Securing Haaland would be a monumental statement of intent from Barcelona, signalling their return to the very top of the European game and directly challenging their rivals, Real Madrid, who are also long-term admirers of the forward.
The coming months, as City's regulatory battle unfolds, will be crucial in determining whether this sensational transfer saga moves from the realm of possibility to reality.
