Joan Laporta Talks About Haaland But Says a Move Is Not Likely Soon

Barcelona president Joan Laporta says signing Erling Haaland isn’t impossible. However, he emphasized that the club has no plans to pursue the Manchester City striker now that he has renewed his contract with them.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Laporta spoke about the rumors linking Barcelona with Haaland, saying, “Nothing in life is impossible. Although, we’re not thinking that right now and he just renewed at City.” Haaland has recently signed a contract extension with Manchester City, which lasts until 2034. However, Laporta’s statement indicates if circumstances change, Barcelona could still target the Norwegian striker in the future.

BARCELONA AND HAALAND: THE CONTEXT

Haaland has maintained his frightening form this season for City, scoring over 30 goals in all competitions. The current Premier League leaders are set for a Champions League final against Real Madrid and Haaland can still collect three trophies this season. Barcelona, on the other hand, have faded in recent months and currently trail runaway leaders Real Madrid by 11 points. The Catalans are preparing for life after Robert Lewandowski and were linked with the Poland international’s compatriot Karol Swiderski earlier this year in a bid to restore Karim Benzema’s midfield dominance after failing to sign him in the summer. Lewandowski has scored just once in his last 14 LaLiga games.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Barcelona face major summer decisions, notably on whether to sanction a loan move for Frenkie de Jong in order to fund Lionel Messi’s blockbuster return to Camp Nou. De Jong continues to be linked with a return to Paris Saint-Germain, with talk of a future swap with players such as Gonzalo Passos and Moise Kean, but the Catalans may need to sell the midfielder outright in order to free up cash for Messi. Messi has yet to agree a new deal with PSG and Barcelona have expressed an interest in bringing him back. Manchester City, meanwhile, host Bournemouth in a Premier League clash on Wednesday before next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton. Haaland will spearhead their attack as they continue their pursuit of history on several fronts.