Barcelona chief Joan Laporta reportedly thinks Erling Haaland ticks three boxes ahead of a potential move to the Nou Camp this summer. The Norway international has been in devastating form for Borussia Dortmund, scoring 35 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined. He could leave the Bundesliga behind, however, particularly if his side fail to finish in the top four.
Though they’re expected to land Memphis Depay from Lyon, and are in talks with the representatives of Manchester City star Sergio Aguero, Haaland is on their radar.
It’s easy to see why, with the 20-year-old scoring 25 goals from 26 Bundesliga games - with only Robert Lewandowski finding the net more.
He’s also scored 10 times in the Champions League, making him the top scorer in the competition in the process.
And Sport say Haaland is Barcelona’s preferred target ahead of the summer transfer window as they seek a replacement for Luis Suarez, who joined Atletico Madrid last year.
Laporta likes the player for his goalscoring ability.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
As mentioned above Haaland has been prolific this term and he was deadly last year, too, shining for both Dortmund and Red Bull Salzburg.
Laporta also admires the Norwegian for his age, too.
At the age of 20, there’s still plenty of time to enhance and improve the young striker - with his best years theoretically lying ahead.
And a third reason the Barcelona president is sold on Haaland’s signing is because the club’s coaching staff think he could be key for the club in the future.
The Catalan giants have drifted dangerously towards mediocrity ever since sacking Ernesto Valverde in 2020.
Barcelona will have to go through Mino Raiola to strike Erling Haaland transfer deal (Image: GETTY)
Manchester City would love to sign Haaland as a replacement for Aguero, whose exit from the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season has already been announced.
Real Madrid are in the frame, too, even if Kylian Mbappe appears to be their priority at the current moment in time.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants a new striker having seen Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham and Timo Werner struggle for consistency this season.
And Manchester United, despite getting Edinson Cavani to sign a new contract, can’t be discounted either.
Speaking last month, Dortmund director Michael Zorc insisted Haaland wouldn’t be allowed to leave the Westfalenstadion this summer - despite strong interest from rival clubs.
Barcelona are also hoping to sign Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero (Image: GETTY)
Trending
“I like to stick to what the contractual basis looks like and how the direct discussions were held last week,” said Zorc.
“We have very clear plans to go into the new season with Erling.”
But Mino Raiola, Haaland’s agent, thinks otherwise.
“I can confirm that I’ve been in Dortmund. Michael Zorc – Dortmund’s sporting director – made very clear that they don’t want to sell Erling,” he said.
“I respect it but it doesn’t mean that I agree. There is no war between me and Dortmund.”