Barcelona, Real Madrid Interested In Signing Erling Haaland This Summer

• Erling Haaland’s representatives met with Barcelona and Real Madrid on Thursday
• Both clubs have interest in the 20-year-0ld striker, who would reportedly cost upwards of €180 million to sign
• Haaland has scored 49 goals in 49 games with Borussia Dortmund since January of 2020

Erling Braut Haaland has been linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund ever since joining the German side in January of 2020. Manchester United was among the clubs in the running for Haaland’s signature when he ultimately decided to head to the Bundesliga, but his time in Germany may already be set to come to a close.

While a reunion with fellow Norwegian Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer in Manchester is a possibility, a move to Spain may be the most likely scenario for the young striker.

Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, reportedly joined agent Mino Raiola to begin negotiations with both Real Madrid and Barcelona on Thursday. The two flew to Barcelona for a meeting with Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Thursday.

After a meeting that reportedly lasted 2.5 hours, the pair then flew to Madrid to hold discussions with the brass of Los Blancos. ESPN reports that Dortmund is aware that the meetings took place, and more clubs are expected to pursue a move for Haaland in the coming months. United is still expected to make a pitch for Haaland before the upcoming summer transfer window opens up.

Dortmund Mum On Potential Move

Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said,

“I don’t have anything against [Raiola and Haaland] taking in the sun on the Mediterranean. We’ve talked and our stance is quite clear. I am very, very relaxed in that matter because I know what we want.”

Haaland has done nothing but score goals since landing in Germany last year. The 20-year-old has bagged 49 goals across 49 appearances in a Dortmund shirt in all competitions. The player’s release clause in his contract will not take effect until 2022, but the club would reportedly accept around €180 million as soon as this summer if the right offer came about.

Barcelona’s brass believes Haaland could be the player that ultimately bridges the gap between Lionel Messi and the next generation for the struggling club. Barcelona have been in dire financial straits since last year, however, which could complicate the club’s ability to afford Dortmund’s massive asking price. The fact that big spenders like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Manchester City will surely pursue Haaland complicates matters even further for Barca.

However, Raiola does have a good relationship with Laporta and Barcelona technical secretary Ramon Planes, which could help Barcelona’s chances.

Barcelona Still Face Long Odds

Barcelona reportedly considered a deal for Haaland when he left RB Salzburg, but ex-sporting director Eric Abidal ultimately nixed the move. The club is exploring the potential of obtaining lines of credit in order to help them afford the move, which is what they did back in 2019 before signing Antoine Griezmann away from Atletico Madrid. Haaland is exactly the type of influential goal-scoring threat Barcelona is sorely lacking up front under first-year manager Ronald Koeman.

The club will almost surely have to offload some of their current highest-paid players in order to afford Haaland, as well. Messi appears likely to leave at season’s end, which would be an easy way of helping Barca balance the books. Philippe Coutinho and Samuel Untiti, two of the highest earners on the team, are also candidates to be sold. There is even a chance that Griezmann could be offloaded if it helps seal the deal for Haaland.

While Barcelona understandably have a substantial interest in the striker, Manchester City has suddenly emerged as the favorites to land his signature this summer. Soccer betting sites have City now at +300 to sign Haaland, which puts them in front of Barcelona (+400), Real Madrid (+400), and rivals Manchester United (+500).

Barcelona are currently second in the La Liga table on 62 points, which puts them four behind Atletico for the league lead. Real Madrid are third on 60 points through 28 games.