Spanish giants Barcelona have reportedly drawn up an ambitious plan to sign Erling Haaland, with the Manchester City striker said to have identified the Catalan club as his preferred next destination.
According to multiple reports in Spain, Barça now believe they can activate a £135 million release clause in Haaland’s contract — and are putting the groundwork in place to launch what would be one of the most sensational transfers in recent memory.
The Norwegian has been a revelation since arriving at the Etihad in 2022, smashing goal records and helping City to a historic treble in his debut season. But despite the success, speculation over his long-term future has never been far away — and the latest developments suggest Barcelona are preparing to test City’s resolve.
Barça Confident Financial Strategy Can Deliver Haaland
Barcelona’s financial issues have been well-documented in recent years, but club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are understood to have formulated a strategy to land a marquee signing in the summer of 2025 — with Haaland top of their wishlist.
The £135 million buyout clause, which reportedly becomes active in the summer window, offers a glimmer of hope for La Liga’s second-placed side, who are desperate to return to Europe’s elite after a difficult few seasons both on and off the pitch.
Reports in Spain claim that Haaland has already signalled Barcelona as his ‘chosen’ next club should he decide to leave Manchester — a development that has reportedly encouraged Barça to fast-track their planning.
Man City Unfazed — But Aware of Interest
Manchester City, for their part, remain calm. Haaland is contracted until 2027, and the Premier League champions have no desire to sell. However, the inclusion of a release clause — inserted as part of his deal upon arrival from Borussia Dortmund — gives Haaland significant control over his future.
Pep Guardiola has spoken openly about the striker’s happiness in Manchester, and Haaland himself has shown no outward signs of unrest. But should the clause be met, City would be powerless to prevent negotiations with another club — and Barcelona believe the stars may be aligning.
Haaland the Centrepiece of Barça’s New Era?
For Barcelona, signing Haaland would mark a new chapter. With Lionel Messi gone and the post-Xavi era beginning to take shape, the club are in search of a new talisman — a generational figure to lead them back to Champions League glory.
The idea of Haaland at the Nou Camp remains aspirational — for now. But with a clear clause, a defined plan, and growing belief that the player is open to the move, this is one transfer saga that could dominate the 2025 summer window.
City may not be under immediate threat, but the chase for Erling Haaland is very much on.
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