European Giants ‘obsessed’ with move to sign Erling Haaland from Man City | OneFootball

Laporta’s Ambitious Haaland Plan for Barça 2026

Barcelona’s vision for the future is clear and ambitious. According to EL NACIONAL, president Joan Laporta has identified Erling Haaland as his ideal candidate to lead the line from 2026 onwards, a move that could redefine Barça’s attack for the next era.

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Laporta’s Striker Mission

With Robert Lewandowski’s contract set to expire on June 30th and no renewal planned, the club face a key transition moment. Laporta is convinced that “Barça needs to incorporate a new centre-forward for next season,” recognising that Lewandowski, despite his quality, cannot play every minute at 36.

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The Polish striker reminded everyone of his quality recently, coming off the bench to score twice against Valencia. Yet as the report notes, Hans-Dieter Flick has been careful to manage his minutes after a pre-season injury. Ferran Torres has impressed in this period, “confirming that his performances last campaign were no fluke.”

Options on the Table

Barcelona’s sporting department have explored potential replacements, with Julián Álvarez emerging as the favourite for many within Deco’s recruitment team. Initial contacts have reportedly been made with Atlético de Madrid regarding a possible move at the end of the campaign.

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Yet Laporta’s eye is drawn to a more ambitious target. “Laporta seems much more seduced by another star who he considers would fit much better into the system and be the best possible successor for Lewandowski. We are talking about Erling Braut Haaland.”

Financial Hurdles and Long-Term Vision

Barça’s economic situation previously ruled out any move for Haaland before he joined Manchester City. Laporta has been closely monitoring his development at the Etihad and believes now might be the time to strike.

“Although it goes without saying that signing Haaland would require a massive investment and come at a high cost, Laporta is optimistic. He believes there is a strong chance that the Norwegian striker will end up at Barça,” reported EL NACIONAL.

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The optimism is fuelled by speculation that if City’s results remain inconsistent, Haaland could request a transfer. This would open the door for Barça to make their boldest statement since signing Lewandowski.

Haaland as the New Focal Point

For Barcelona, this is not merely about a big signing, but about signalling a new cycle. With Lewandowski potentially heading to Saudi Arabia and doubts remaining over whether Ferran Torres can shoulder the entire goalscoring burden, finding a proven, elite-level striker is non-negotiable.

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Haaland would not just be a signing, he would be a symbol of ambition, a player who can bring fear back to defenders across Europe and fit the high-tempo, vertical football Flick has been eager to implement.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report might feel more like wishful thinking than a realistic threat. City supporters will rightly point out that Haaland is under contract, and the club remain financially strong despite any patchy results. A few mixed weeks in the Premier League do not mean their leading striker is preparing a transfer request.

Barcelona’s finances remain fragile despite Laporta’s optimism. The levers pulled in recent summers have come at a cost, and adding a nine-figure transfer fee plus Haaland’s wages looks almost impossible without significant sales. There is also the question of whether City would even entertain negotiations, given Haaland’s importance and marketability.

This feels like another chapter in Barcelona’s ongoing obsession with bringing superstar names to Camp Nou, even if the financial and competitive realities make it difficult. For City fans, this speculation may be nothing more than noise designed to apply pressure, while they remain confident Haaland will stay at the Etihad to pursue more titles. The focus for many will be on getting results back on track and keeping one of the world’s most lethal forwards happy in Manchester rather than worrying about Camp Nou fantasies.