Reports said that Barcelona President Joan Laporta is planning to sign Norwegian Erling Haaland, Manchester City’s top scorer, before the end of his reign at the Catalan club.

The newspaper “Sport” indicated that Laporta did not give up in chasing his dream of including the Norwegian international, despite the financial hardship that the club is going through.

The Norwegian is considered an old desire of the Blaugrana, and the Barcelona president has been “cooking” the strategy for many years to have him wear the Barcelona shirt in 2025 or 2026.

The newspaper reported that Barcelona’s contacts with those close to the striker are not new, as they began at the end of March 2021, when the “Norwegian Hurricane” was looking for a new team after Borussia Dortmund became “small” for him.

After more than one meeting between the club’s management and the player’s current agent, Rafaela Pimienta, the Catalans decided to do their best to sign the striker and see him celebrate his goals in the Blaugrana shirt.

Barcelona had previously tried to sign the 23-year-old Norwegian when he was a player in the German team Borussia Dortmund, but the player preferred to move to Manchester City.

Haaland’s market value is 200 million euros, according to the Transfermarkt website, which may constitute a real obstacle for Barcelona to complete the deal in light of the financial hardship it is going through.

The “Norwegian Hurricane” also has a release clause of 175 million euros in his contract, which extends until 2025, and this huge number may put it beyond Barcelona’s reach.

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Laporta’s plan

The newspaper confirmed that the Barcelona president is preparing for two huge media events, the first of which is the reopening of the Camp Nou stadium, and the second event is the contract with Haaland.

Laporta has a very flexible relationship with Haaland’s agent, and there is great trust between the two parties, which is an advantage for Barcelona.

The possible departure of coach Pep Guardiola from Manchester City, and the possibility of imposing harsh penalties on the club due to financial violations, also gives the Catalan club hope to move forward in its endeavors.