Barcelona chief determined to sign Haaland to replace Lewandowski | OneFootball

The pursuit of Manchester City star Erling Braut Haaland has become an obsession for Barcelona president Joan Laporta, according to journalist David Bernabeu on Sport‘s La Possession.

Laporta’s interest in the prolific Man City striker is quite intense. They are preparing for Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The La Liga top scorer is entering the twilight of his career, and Barca have set their sights on Haaland.

“The main obsession of the president, I’ve always told you, is Erling Haaland. If it’s an obsession, it doesn’t mean he can bring him. But it’s an obsession. So, it’s the piece that marks all the movements,” Bernabeu explained.

The Norwegian’s contract at Manchester City runs until 2027 and reportedly includes a release clause set to become active in the coming years.

The looming 115 financial charges against City have further fuelled speculation over his future at the Etihad. The former Borussia Dortmund star will be looking for a new stomping ground if Man City get handed a massive sentence like relegation.

However, City know European giants are sensing weakness and sniffing around their star striker. They have started working on a new contract to secure Haaland’s services beyond his current deal.

Bernabeu emphasised that City CEO Ferran Soriano had travelled to Norway, possibly to negotiate with Haaland’s representatives.

City reportedly want to remove the release clause and extend his tenure. “They want to put him in for two more years and without a release clause,” Bernabeu added. While the exact figure of the current clause remains uncertain, it represents a pivotal factor in potential future negotiations.

Barcelona do not have the funds to launch an assault for the Premier League’s leading goalscorer, who has already scored 277 goals at 24. Their debilitating finances have left them handicapped, and even a sensible release clause might be too much for them to afford.

There is also the issue of his massive wages. He might not be open to a salary cut, meaning the Blaugrana must shell out top dollar.

Meanwhile, January signing Vitor Roque watches on in the background. He was to be the heir apparent, but he has been sidelined in the Barca project. The Brazilian striker might angle for an exit if they block his pathway.