Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font has reportedly held talks with Manchester City chiefs regarding an audacious move for striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian international has been a revelation since joining City in 2022, scoring 153 goals in 186 appearances. Although Haaland signed a contract extension last year keeping him at the Etihad until 2034, rumors of a move to Catalonia continue to swirl.
Following City’s 3-0 Champions League loss to Real Madrid, images emerged of Font’s team leaving the Citizens’ training hotel in Madrid. Reports from Sport indicate that Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar met with City CEO Ferran Soriano and Sporting Director Hugo Viana to discuss a “preferential purchase option” for the striker, should Font win Sunday’s election.
Financial Readiness
Despite Barcelona’s well-known financial constraints, Joan Soler—a board member for rival candidate Joan Laporta—claims the club is ready for such a high-profile pursuit.
“Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland,” Soler told Cadena SER. “These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona’s finances are ready for it.” Soler emphasized that the club would remain careful with its wage structure while pursuing market-price deals.
The Lewandowski Factor
The pursuit of a new forward may depend on Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old is out of contract this summer, but Laporta has suggested a one-year extension could be on the table as a token of appreciation for the striker’s commitment to the club.
Barcelona’s ability to fund these moves will also be boosted by their performance in La Liga and the Champions League, where they recently secured a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the last 16.