Barcelona is silently positioning itself as a formidable competitor in the anticipated battle for Manchester City’s superstar striker, Erling Haaland. While Real Madrid has long been considered the frontrunner in the pursuit of the prolific Norwegian, sources from les-transferts suggest that Barcelona is preparing to play a significant role in securing his services.
Currently boasting the talents of Robert Lewandowski as their number nine, FC Barcelona’s long-term strategy seems to revolve around Erling Haaland, who is seen as a viable option to eventually replace the veteran Polish striker, who recently celebrated his 35th birthday.
Haaland’s meteoric rise in the football world has been nothing short of spectacular since his move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City the previous summer. In his debut season, he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure a historic treble, including their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. The 23-year-old phenom impressively found the back of the net 52 times in all competitions, with a record-breaking 36 goals in the Premier League alone, earning him the Premier League Golden Boot and the European Golden Shoe.
The question now arises: Can Barcelona make their move in 2025? Although Haaland has spent just over a year in the Premier League, Manchester City is already working on a new contract to reward their star striker. Initially signing a five-year contract upon his arrival in Manchester, this deal includes several release clauses. One of these clauses was recently annulled when manager Pep Guardiola extended his contract, eliminating the possibility of an exit in 2024 for a fee of £172 million ($200 million).
However, insider information suggests that the release clauses are expected to become active from 2025 onwards. While these clauses do not specify a particular club, they imply that Haaland could potentially leave for a fixed price believed to be around £150 million ($175 million), with a decreasing price tag each subsequent year.
The prospect of Haaland being available for a fixed price in 2025 has prompted Barcelona to take action. The club has diligently worked to stabilize its finances, and the ability to plan for the future two years in advance provides a considerable advantage in the competitive transfer market.
On the other hand, Manchester City is striving to convince Haaland and his agents to remove these release clauses. They are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League, offering a base salary exceeding £500,000 ($583,000) per week. However, as it stands, Haaland is not particularly motivated to make such changes.
The pursuit of Erling Haaland has become a captivating saga in the world of football. Barcelona’s discreet positioning and strategic planning for his potential acquisition demonstrate their ambition to secure one of the most promising talents in the game. With the release clauses set to become active in 2025, the battle for Haaland’s signature intensifies, pitting Barcelona against other European giants. As the football world eagerly awaits the outcome, it remains to be seen which club will ultimately win the race for Erling Haaland’s services.
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