Barcelona ‘to seek’ Haaland buy option with Man City | OneFootball

Barcelona are planning for a new striker this summer, with Robert Lewandowski poised to leave at the end of the season. The veteran number nine is not expected to be offered a new deal before his contract ends in June, and preparations are already under way for a replacement at the Spotify Camp Nou.

Sport reports that leading members of Victor Font’s team, Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar, met Manchester City officials on Wednesday to discuss a preferential buy option for Erling Haaland. Such an arrangement could give Barcelona priority if the Norwegian striker departs the Premier League champions.

Work around transfers has been slowed by the presidential election, which concludes this weekend. Despite that, Font, who is running against Joan Laporta, is planning ahead, with his team looking to move for Haaland as early as the summer.

Haaland has also attracted strong interest from Real Madrid. With the 25-year-old under contract until 2034, any near-term agreement appears difficult, but Barcelona could be ready to act when he becomes available.

If Font’s camp can reach an understanding with Man City before the vote, it could persuade some members to back him over Laporta. He has also pledged to bring back Pep Guardiola as manager when the time comes, a promise that may sway voters.

Source: Football Espana