Barcelona Plots Ambitious Move to Lure Man City's Goal Machine Erling Haaland
Barcelona are said to be taking a strategic approach with Erling Haaland, aiming to establish a "special" arrangement with Manchester City should Víctor Font win the presidency.
Font has previously pledged to "reach out directly to" Lionel Messi if he wins the election, with securing Haaland also being a key element of his campaign—presidential campaigns are frequently built on transfer commitments and Joan Laporta was working on a David Beckham deal while still merely a candidate in 2003.
To fulfill his promise of bringing Haaland to the club, SPORT reveals that Font sent two representatives to visit Manchester City's hotel in Madrid this week.
Barcelona Presidential Hopeful Working on Haaland Agreement
Barcelona Presidential Hopeful Working on Haaland Agreement
Manchester City traveled to Spain for Wednesday's Champions League fixture against Real Madrid—which ended poorly for them—but this presented an opportunity when Font's representatives Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar secured a meeting with City CEO Ferran Soriano and sporting director Hugo Viana.
The duo were photographed departing by the publication and SPORT's report indicates that Haaland was discussed during their conversations. The candidate has previously stated his potential sporting department is "highly active" and "engaging with clubs" to prepare options for Hansi Flick.
An immediate transfer is unrealistic. The Norwegian forward, who has netted 363 career goals at just 25 years old, penned a 10-year deal in 2024 and is valued by Transfermarkt at $230.6 million. Rather, Font is pursuing some form of understanding that would place Barcelona at the front of the queue with a formal edge over competitors like Real Madrid should Haaland become available.
That scenario might not materialize for years, but if achieved it's the closest Font can come to 'acquiring' Haaland as his electoral promise to Barcelona Culers. The voting occurs on March 15, after which either Font or Joan Laporta, looking to continue his second tenure in charge, will become Barcelona president.
Haaland's Representative Addresses Man City Situation
Haaland's Representative Addresses Man City Situation
Despite potential discussions with Manchester City, this information hasn't reached Haaland or his representatives yet.
Representative Rafaela Pimenta dismissed suggestions that the player has any desire to leave.
"We hold great respect and appreciation for Barcelona, but there has been no communication whatsoever regarding a possible transfer," Pimenta informed La Sexta.
"The player extended his contract recently, he's extremely content at Manchester City. Everything is progressing excellently for him and we truly have nothing to consider regarding a transfer when everything is so positive at City."
Does Haaland Possess a Release Clause?
Does Haaland Possess a Release Clause?
Haaland's contract through 2034 provides Manchester City with substantial protection because it prevents him from departing as a free agent until shortly before his 34th birthday.
Nevertheless, the choice to leave—whenever that occurs—could ultimately remain his decision.
Pimenta, Haaland's agent and Mino Raiola's former deputy who took over the legendary agent's client roster when he died in 2022, has previously declared that she has never structured a contract without including a release clause.
The amount of any such clause in Haaland's contract remains unknown—his previous agreement was also kept highly confidential. But it's improbable to be the type of $1.15 billion release clause linked with elite Real Madrid and Barcelona players, satisfying Spain's legal requirement but completely unrealistic—the Catalans discovered this the difficult way when Paris Saint-Germain acquired Neymar.
Pimenta maintains her clients must always retain the "control" in their possession, which suggests a figure that could realistically be activated by a purchasing club—provided they are informed of the amount.
"I dislike situations where the player lacks freedom to choose," the Brazilian attorney stated in 2022. "I have handled all contracts in this agency over 25 years. Every single one. There was never an instance when a player expressed 'I want to leave' and they couldn't."
Haaland's career has been characterized by release clauses, which aligns with Pimenta's approach. It was a $24 million clause that enabled his move to Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, and a $63 million clause activated by Manchester City two-and-a-half years afterward. Both occasions, the fee was below market value to enable a transfer when the player desired it.
When Might Haaland Depart Man City?
When Might Haaland Depart Man City?
The two-time Premier League top scorer has achieved everything with Manchester City, most notably contributing to the club's treble in his first season. Currently, he trails Sergio Agüero's all-time City record by 87 goals, which sits at 260 and is certainly achievable.
The timing of his eventual exit could hinge on his personal goals, whether he has any interest in challenging himself with other top clubs across different leagues.
However, external factors also present concerns. City are yet to discover any repercussions from the 115 Premier League allegations against them. Haaland might also view City differently if and when manager Pep Guardiola departs, which could happen this year or next.