SUMMARY
- Erling Haaland is reportedly considering leaving Manchester City for FC Barcelona.
- Haaland's father and agent have been recently spotted in Barcelona.
In yet another shocking series of updates, Erling Haaland is being linked with a move away from Manchester City. Haaland, who’s currently one of the best players in the world, signed with City back in 2022. After an excellent first season where he won almost everything, Haaland is looking to replicate the feat again this season. However, recent reports suggest that Haaland is already thinking of leaving City.
According to reports from Spanish journalist Jota Jordi, FC Barcelona wants to sign Erling Haaland in a few years. Over the last few months, there have been rumors of Haaland reportedly wanting to leave City for Real Madrid. However, with Real Madrid being expected to complete the signing of Kylian Mbappe, Haaland has allegedly turned his sights to FC Barcelona.
🚨 Erling Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta met with Barcelona sporting director Deco last month. 🇳🇴🇪🇸
Barcelona have made him their top summer target! 🎯
(Source: Mundo Deportivo) pic.twitter.com/tYGPGRDaRg
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 27, 2024
It is believed that FC Barcelona would have completed Haaland’s signing in 2022 before City but couldn’t because of their financial crisis. Moreover, Haaland’s father, Alfie, was spotted recently enjoying lunch at a restaurant in Barcelona, while his agent, Rafaela Pimenta, reportedly met Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, last month. However, let’s take a look at why FC Barcelona would be the wrong choice for Haaland.
3. FC Barcelona’s financial crisis would force Erling Haaland to take less salary
FC Barcelona’s ongoing financial crisis for the past three years is a huge factor in why Erling Haaland should not sign with the club. Despite the club coming up with various solutions to reduce the crisis, such as selling the naming rights to the Camp Nou stadium, the economic problems continue to hinder the club. Moreover, it is unlikely that Barcelona would be able to afford Haaland’s $216 million release clause.
🚨| Official: Real Madrid have the biggest salary cap in La Liga.
1. Real Madrid — €727,451,000
2. Atletico Madrid — €296,357,000
3. FC Barcelona — €270,265,000 pic.twitter.com/zlm39wUP9d— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) September 14, 2023
In addition to this, La Liga has further reduced FC Barcelona’s salary cap to just $298 million, which even prevented the club from signing any players in the winter transfer window. With Haaland earning an annual salary of $21 million at Manchester City, it would be difficult for FC Barcelona to match that salary. Manchester City might also offer Haaland an even more lucrative contract in an attempt to keep him at the club for a longer time.
2. FC Barcelona has yet to sign a coach for the next season
A very important reason why Erling Haaland should think twice before signing for FC Barcelona is that the Catalan giants have yet to sign a coach for the next season. Since 2021, former FC Barcelona skipper Xavi Hernandez has been in charge at the club as their head coach. However, a few weeks ago, Xavi announced that he would be leaving after the end of this season after a run of poor results.
While there are reports that FC Barcelona is on the lookout for a new coach, they are yet to finalize a name. The names of Hansi Flick, Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, and former Barcelona coach and current PSG coach Luis Enrique are reported to be the potential choices. Moreover, it is also reported that FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta still intends to convince Xavi to stay.
🔵🔴 Barça president Laporta: “Pini Zahavi offering Hansi Flick? I’m good friend with Pini, with Jorge Mendes… but I told them: don’t insist as we will be with Xavi until the end of the season”.
“We will wait for Xavi’s decision and then we will see, we will have solutions”. pic.twitter.com/KXA1LgQ8mN
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2024
Therefore, FC Barcelona’s future remains undecided, with the new season knocking on the door. On the other hand, Erling Haaland’s Manchester City possesses a stable team that can compete and probably win any tournament they compete in.
1. Leaving Pep Guardiola would be a huge mistake for Erling Haaland
Finally, alongside the insanely talented teammates that Erling Haaland has at Manchester City, leaving the club for FC Barcelona would also mean leaving Pep Guardiola. One of the best coaches in the world and soccer history, Guardiola’s influence at City remains unparalleled. The veteran Spanish coach has won 16 trophies with the club, including their first Champions League title.
Having coached the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne, and so on, Guardiola has built a reputation for greatly improving almost every player that comes under his tutelage. Moreover, Haaland has been flourishing under the ex-Barca coach, already winning a treble in his first season. Therefore, Haaland should think very carefully if he wants to stay at Manchester City or go to FC Barcelona.
