Erling Haaland, the prolific Norwegian striker, has been a transfer target for some of Europe's biggest clubs one of them Barcelona. While he currently plays for Manchester City, a surprising revelation suggests he might have had his sights set on Barcelona in the past.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, a deal for Haaland to Barcelona was actually close to happening in 2022. The report claims Haaland was enthusiastic about the move and even met with Barcelona manager Xavi to discuss the project. However, Barcelona's financial situation at the time ultimately prevented the transfer from materializing.
Despite the initial setback, several factors could pave the way for a Haaland to Barcelona transfer in 2025:
Manchester City's FFP Investigation: An ongoing investigation into Manchester City for potential breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations could have implications for their ability to hold onto players like Haaland.
Guardiola's Contract Expiration: Pep Guardiola's current contract with Manchester City expires in 2025. If he chooses not to renew, this could influence Haaland's decision to stay or seek a new challenge.
Laporta's Strong Connections: Barcelona president Joan Laporta reportedly has a good relationship with Haaland's agent, Maxwell, former Barcelona player. These connections could prove beneficial in future negotiations.
Barcelona's Financial Recovery and Future Plans: With their new stadium project nearing completion, Barcelona is expected to see a significant boost in revenue. This financial recovery could put them in a stronger position to compete for high-profile signings like Haaland.
Erling Haaland remains a highly sought-after player, and Barcelona clearly sees him as a potential cornerstone for their future. While there are still uncertainties to consider, the factors mentioned above suggest that a Haaland to Barcelona transfer in 2025 could be a realistic possibility.
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Image credit of Barceloan and Getty