Barcelona recently held talks about signing Erling Haaland. And, now, reports claim the Borussia Dortmund star has demanded Lionel Messi continue if he’s to move to Catalonia in this summer’s transfer window. The Norway international has been in fine form this season, scoring 31 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined.
Barcelona are determined to sign a marquee name when the transfer window reopens.
Joan Laporta is keen to make his second spell at president in spectacular fashion and, recently, held talks with Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola about a blockbuster deal at the end of the campaign.
The player’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was also present.
And Spanish website OKDiario claim that, during negotiations, it was made clear that Haaland wants Messi to stay if Barcelona are to stand any chance of securing his signature.
The Argentina international wanted to leave the club a year ago.
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If Haaland joins Barcelona he wants to play alongside Messi, who is widely considered one of the best players of all time.
But whether that actually happens remains to be seen.
Barcelona aren’t the only club interested in signing Haaland this summer, with many other top European clubs also in the mix.
Manchester United would love to land the Norway international, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer previously managing his compatriot at Molde.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the signing of the Dortmund striker having seen Timo Werner, Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham struggle for consistency.