Haaland in Barcelona talks and told Man City won’t stand in way of deal

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 29 Feb 2024 08:20 GMT
• 4 min read

Erling Haaland’s agent has held talks with Barcelona, according to a prominent journalist.

Gerard Romero has indicated that the prolific Manchester City striker’s representatives have spoken to the Camp Nou outfit.

There was a meeting on Wednesday between Haaland’s people and the Catalan club, with reports in Spain indicating that Barcelona will target a world-class star this summer.

READ MORE: European Golden Shoe 2023/24: Kane leads Haaland by 10 goals

Jijante FC states that despite Barca’s difficult financial position, the club is “clear” about one of its key objectives of the forthcoming summer market.

Sporting director Deco has held talks with those close to Haaland, including agent Rafaela Pimenta and Maxwell.

Unsurprisingly, though, the prospect of a deal going further is slim. The financial demands of both Man City and the player are set to be out of Barcelona’s reach.

READ MORE: Latest Barcelona transfer rumours

It is stated that Haaland has a release clause worth €175 million, which is well outside the club’s capacity at present.

Barcelona are likely to be dealing in the bargain basement this summer unless president Joan Laporta can pull a rabbit from a hat.

Barca responding to Madrid’s Mbappe coup

Barcelona seemed to be sounding out Haaland in response to Real Madrid’s imminent move for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer when his PSG contract expires in the summer.

It may also have been an attempt at a pre-emptive strike to prevent Los Blancos also capturing Haaland, with Man City having promised not to get in the striker’s way of a big move.

Sam Lee explained to the Athletic Football Podcast that City have promised they will not block any stars from departing if that is their wish.

In a sinister blow to Barcelona, he added: “Everybody knows that Haaland wants to play for Real Madrid. All City can do is keep creating an environment which he enjoys for as long as possible.”

It would be a heavy blow to Barca if they were to miss out on Haaland and thereafter see him join forces with Mbappe at Madrid.

READ MORE: Latest Man City transfer rumours