Barcelona have long been linked with the blockbuster signing of Erling Haaland – and they now reportedly appear to be taking clear steps to ensure that a deal is completed.
Haaland is one of the most exciting strikers in world football. His unique blend of height, pace, power and frightening finishing ability has made him a target for Europe’s biggest clubs.
Currently, at Borussia Dortmund, Haaland is breaking records left, right and centre. He became the youngest player to score four goals in a game. He reached the feat against Hertha Berlin in 2020.
Read: Haaland shares “big dream” that could influence next move
The 21-year-old also became the youngest player to hit 50 goals in the Bundesliga. He brought up the landmark in exactly 50 games.
The Champions League has also been like a playground for the Norwegian striker. He smashed in his 20th goal in just his 14th appearance. That made him the fastest player to reach such a feat.
And in last season’s Bundesliga, he clocked a top speed of 22.39 mph in a match, which was higher than any other player at the time.
Simply put, Haaland is close to unstoppable. That is why every club who can afford him is on red alert. Barcelona are one such team.
What have Barcelona said about the striker?
Speaking at the unveiling of new signing Ferran Torres earlier in January, Barcelona president Joan Laporta refused to rule out a move for Haaland in the upcoming transfer windows.
He said: “Everybody should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market.
“You will allow me not to talk directly about players because it does not benefit us, all it does is increase their value. We are working to strengthen ourselves and we are working on players.”
Read: How could Barcelona possibly afford Ferran Torres?
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Laporta told club officials that he would be bringing the Norwegian to the Nou Camp.
The Haaland deal could be at the expense of Barcelona keeping Ousmane Dembele, who looks set to leave the club as ugly contract negotiations continue.
How can Barcelona afford Erling Haaland?
Barcelona cannot yet afford to sign Erling Haaland this summer. However, according to a new report from GOAL, they are working on ways to do so.
The report states that the Spanish giants are planning to sell a 49 per cent stake in their media production company, Barca Studios, to help with the pursuit, with La Liga behind them.
This is notable because, back in October, Barca board members voted to sell a minority stake of the company to investors.
The Studios project itself was inaugurated back in 2019. It is the home of Barca’s in-house media, including the official club channel Barca TV.
This isn’t the first time the Spanish giants have looked to recover some of their financial debt by selling part of the studio. Financial site 2Playbook reported in October – the same month as the Barca board decision – that Laporta was looking for €50 million in exchange for part of the studios.
Barcelona have a plan in place. Fans will be keeping a close eye on developments relating to Erling Haaland over the coming months.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
