FC Barcelona‘s sports planning looks beyond the next season, with a big dream for the summer of 2025: Erling Haaland. President Joan Laporta recently mentioned in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that the plan is to make only one or two additions for the 2024-25 season, keeping the core of the current team intact. The goal is to avoid selling anyone, as long as the financial targets are met by June 30, and to nurture the emerging young talents. Robert Lewandowski is not on the immediate radar either, as he is content at Barça and has turned down a hefty salary offer from Saudi football. The club has faith in Lewandowski’s abilities and professionalism, even as he approaches 36 years old on August 21.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, if Lewandowski fulfills his contract by playing half of the 2024-25 games, Barça believes it will need to invest in a top-notch goal scorer. With Lewandowski nearing 37 years old by then, doubts arise about his performance. While young talents like Vitor Roque (19) and Marc Guiu (17) continue to develop, there is a consensus that Barça will require another global star, coinciding with the financial recovery once the new Spotify Camp Nou generates more revenue.
According to reports, Erling Haaland is the coveted player for Barça. With Kylian Mbappé likely heading to Real Madrid, Barça is focusing on securing the Norwegian talent, who will be 24 years old on July 21 and has a promising future ahead. The Manchester City forward is under contract until 2027, and the reigning European champions are keen on extending his stay amidst interest from other clubs. While Real Madrid is also eyeing Haaland, a move this summer is unlikely due to a release clause below 200 million euros. Barça may not be able to afford it now, but perhaps in the near future.
In Barcelona, they are well aware of Haaland’s situation. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, and his partner, former Barcelona player Maxwell, met in Barcelona on February 29 with Deco to discuss various topics, including the Norwegian star. Let’s not forget the strong relationship between Joan Laporta and Pimenta. “I love Laporta to death, I am a big fan of his. If he needs good players, we have them,” said the Brazilian lawyer, who first worked with Laporta in 2009 on the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic when she was collaborating with the infamous Mino Raiola. By 2025, Laporta will be nearing the end of his term with the stadium almost at full capacity. This is another reason to push hard for Haaland, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future as Manchester City’s coach when his contract ends in 2025. Guardiola has never hidden his interest in coaching a national team.
Additionally, the Premier League is investigating City for financial irregularities, with a potential deadline of October 2024 and even the possibility of expulsion from the competition. Barcelona is closely monitoring this situation. Haaland would have the freedom to leave, and it’s no secret that the ‘Viking’, who has a home in Marbella, is drawn to all things Spanish.
Haaland-Mbappé could be the next Messi-Cristiano duo.
If, if necessary, he had to choose between Madrid or Barcelona, he knows that as a Barça player he should not share the media spotlight with Mbappé. A landing at the spectacular Spotify Camp Nou would repeat the antagonistic Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duel with two stars in each of the great Spanish and world clubs. There is still a lot left but at Can Barça it is not considered a fantasy to talk about Haaland in the medium term.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
