Barcelona tipped to make Erling Haaland a priority signing in 2026

Cameron Smith

• 23 Sep 2025 11:30 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Barcelona will reportedly be forced to pay £130 million ($176.91m) if they want to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

The Norway superstar has been heavily linked with a move to La Liga over the past few years and recent reports speculate that he is still eager to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid before the end of his career.

Haaland reportedly views Spain as a “dream destination” and he remains on the radar of both La Liga giants amid the possibility of a blockbuster transfer.

Unsurprisingly, the Clasico rivals are also keeping close tabs on Haaland’s situation at Man City and they will be ready to pounce if he pushes to leave the Etihad Stadium at any point over the next few years.

The 25-year-old’s current contract with Pep Guardiola’s side isn’t due to expire until 2034, after he signed a lucrative new long-term deal in January, but rumours of a La Liga switch have continued to persist over recent months.

Spanish outlet Fichajes now claim that Haaland’s desire to move to Spain has jolted Barcelona into action. Hansi Flick’s side view the 25-year-old as a dream replacement for Robert Lewandowski and they are reportedly planning to lodge a “decisive move” in 2026.

Haaland, who has scored seven goals in six games so far this season, is regarded as Barcelona’s primary transfer target for next summer and Fichajes state that a deal would cost roughly £130m.

However, the Norway striker boasts an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €186.7m (£162.92m)- the highest of any player in world football - and Man City could feasibly demand a fee that exceeds Neymar’s €222m (£193.73m) world-record move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid also want Erling Haaland

Real Madrid are also understood to be monitoring Haaland closely, with the Norwegian viewed as a possible replacement for Vinicius Junior - who is wanted by multiple clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

Haaland’s possible arrival as Vinicius’ successor would enable Kylian Mbappe to be moved back onto his favoured left flank and Los Blancos are reportedly hopeful of convincing the 25-year-old to join the club.

However, an extended stay at Man City is the most likely scenario as things stand, with Haaland contracted to the club for the next nine years.