Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been at the center of transfer rumors, with reports suggesting a potential move to FC Barcelona in the near future. The Norwegian forward, who has been in impressive form for Borussia Dortmund, was reportedly close to joining Barcelona in both 2021 and 2022.
Haaland's low release clause of $65 million made him a highly sought-after player in the football market. Despite initial talks with Barcelona in 2021, the deal did not materialize, and Haaland remained with Dortmund for another season.
Recent reports indicate that Barcelona had expressed interest in signing Haaland in 2022, with the player's camp allegedly giving their approval in March of that year. Barcelona's head coach, Xavi Hernandez, even traveled to Munich to discuss his plans for Haaland and how the team would be structured around the young striker.
However, due to financial constraints, Barcelona was unable to secure the transfer, leading to Haaland eventually joining Manchester City. The striker had a remarkable first season with City, helping the team secure a treble, including their first Champions League title.
Looking ahead, there are suggestions that Haaland's contract may include a special release clause that could be activated by clubs outside of England for a fee below $108 million. This has sparked rumors of a potential move to La Liga, with Real Madrid also reportedly interested in the player.
Despite the ongoing speculation, reports indicate that Barcelona still views Haaland as a 'dream' signing for the future, potentially targeting him as a long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. With the possibility of Kylian Mbappe joining Real Madrid in the coming years, fans could anticipate an exciting rivalry akin to the legendary clashes between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in El Clasico.
While the financial aspect remains a challenge for Barcelona, the club is exploring options to raise funds through player sales over the next few transfer windows, potentially paving the way for a future bid for Haaland.
