Transfer negotiations between Erling Haaland and Barcelona begin as Man City hold Spanish conference

Erling Haaland is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, but Barcelona have nevertheless registered an interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

Erling Haaland was the subject of talks with Manchester City and Barcelona manager candidates on Wednesday. Victor Font, who wants to become Barça’s next president, plans to make City striker Haaland his top target if he defeats incumbent Joan Laporta in Sunday’s election.

Haaland, 25, signed a new contract with City last year that will keep him at the Etihad until 2034. However, the Norwegian’s future remains the subject of speculation, especially as it is unclear whether Josep Guardiola will take charge of City next season.

Barcelona are looking to sign a striker this summer, with Robert Lewandowski set to leave the La Liga champions when his contract expires in June. Haaland has long been touted as Laporta’s dream signing, but potential successor Font is looking to get ahead of his rivals.

Catalan outlet Sport reported that two members of Font’s team, Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar, met with City’s Ferran Soriano and Hugo Viana in Madrid, after City lost 3-0 to Real in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. The two sides discussed a clause that would give Barcelona a preferential purchase option for Haaland.

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Barça remain financially constrained and with the Camp Nou’s £1.25bn renovation yet to be completed, signings will be difficult this summer. However, a member of Laporta’s board recently insisted that Barcelona are “ready” to sign the likes of Haaland and Atletico Madrid forward Julián Alvarez.

“Yes, we could sign players like Julián Álvarez or Erling Haaland. These transfers will pay for themselves within five years and Barcelona’s finances are ready for that,” coach João Soler declared to Cadena SER radio station.

Soler added: “At the end of the day, Barça must be very careful about the promises made regarding the wage structure. We have set limits for ourselves and we will not exceed them. We must sign players at market prices, keeping an eye on the wage structure.”

But a new striker doesn’t necessarily mean the end for Lewandowski. Laporta, who defeated Font in Barça’s last presidential election in 2021, made it clear earlier this week that he wanted the 37-year-old to stay for another season.

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“He is a very talented player and a prolific goalscorer,” Laporta explained. “As a token of my gratitude, I would like to offer him another year of contract.

“He came at a very difficult time. Despite his track record at Bayern (Munich), he worked hard to come to Barça. He gave up a lot. We know what he wants to do, but if he wants to, I hope he stays another year.”

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