Key Takeaways:
- Barcelona have reportedly prioritised a move for Erling Haaland as the long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski
- Joan Laporta remains determined to secure the Norwegian striker despite Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles and stadium delays
- Haaland is currently under contract at Manchester City until 2034, earning £400,000 per week after joining from Borussia Dortmund for £51 million in 2022
Transfer Ambitions at the Camp Nou
Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, has reportedly made it his mission to bring Erling Haaland to the club, viewing the prolific Norwegian forward as Robert Lewandowski’s long-term successor. Despite the club’s continued financial difficulties, renewed reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona are preparing an audacious move to secure Haaland’s signature during the next summer transfer window.
Lewandowski, 37, is set to leave Barcelona upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the current season, closing a three-year chapter after his arrival from Bayern Munich. While the Polish international continues to contribute – most recently by scoring two late goals off the bench against Valencia – manager Hansi Flick is cautiously monitoring his workload following a pre-season injury.
🇪🇸 Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly 'obsessed' with signing Erling Haaland and holds confidence that the Manchester City striker will represent the Catalan club in the future pic.twitter.com/hLtjqhvu59
— Transfermarkt.co.uk (@TMuk_news) September 16, 2025
Offensive Options and Haaland as the Cornerstone Target
Although Ferran Torres has managed to find the net twice this La Liga campaign, lingering concerns remain over his suitability to lead the line as a striker. This has led Laporta and sporting director Deco to intensify efforts to recruit a marquee number nine, with Haaland emerging as their primary target. Reports from El Nacional indicate that Julian Alvarez, another former Manchester City forward, has been discussed as a possibility, but Laporta’s focus remains firmly on acquiring Haaland.
Haaland’s Situation at Manchester City
The 25-year-old striker signed an extensive ten-year contract with Manchester City in January, committing his future to the club until 2034 and reportedly eliminating any release clause. Haaland currently earns £400,000 per week and has produced a remarkable return of 111 goals in 126 appearances since his £51 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. During his time under Pep Guardiola, he has already collected two Premier League titles and a Champions League medal. While many speculated his next move would be to La Liga – with Real Madrid historically interested – Barcelona’s ongoing admiration has not wavered, despite their previous financial inability to pursue a deal for him.
| Player | Current Club | Contract Until | Weekly Wage | Appearances | Goals | Joined From | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 2034 | £400,000 | 126 | 111 | Borussia Dortmund | £51,000,000 |
Barcelona’s Optimism Amidst Setbacks
Despite mounting off-field pressures and persistent fiscal challenges, Laporta remains optimistic. He is hopeful that any downturn in Manchester City’s form might prompt Haaland to reconsider his future, and thus, the pursuit of the Norwegian in 2026 remains a priority for the Catalan giants.
Further Frustrations Off the Pitch
Barcelona’s issues are not confined to transfer dealings or financial woes. The protracted return to the Nou Camp has experienced additional delays, forcing the club to play home matches at the much smaller, 6,000-seat Estadi Johan Cruyff. The ongoing £1.25 billion refurbishment of the famous stadium has drawn increasing frustration from fans, who have become further exasperated by these continued setbacks.
