Barcelona have earmarked Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland as their primary target ahead of their return to their iconic home ground, Camp Nou.
The Catalan giants’ home ground was renamed in 2022 after the club signed a mega deal with music streaming giants Spotify, and renovation works began immediately to improve the facilities within it. The works are progressing smoothly under the close supervision of club president Joan Laporta. According to reports, the schedule to reopen the club in 2025/26 is on track and Laporta wants a big signing to coincide with it.
That big signing is Haaland, who is currently employed by Manchester City.
The Norwegian is currently the world’s best goalscorer with a goal-to-game ratio that is almost rivalling the ones set by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in their prime. City are reportedly working to tie him down to a longer deal but there have been reports that Halaand is looking at Spain for his next challenge.
Laporta is ready to swoop in, per recent reports from Spanish media outlet Sport. He has held an interest in the player since his Borussia Dortmund days and is willing to pursue the player again ahead of his expiring contract in 2027.
In the meantime, Barcelona have identified two Chelsea players as targets for the January transfer window.
Romeo Lavia and Carney Chukwuemeka have caught the eye of sporting director Deco, who is intent on bringing a midfielder who can add some athleticism to the team. It is even reported that Barcelona approached Chukwuemeka in the summer but failed to reach an agreement with the midfielder.
However, Hansi Flick is unwilling to sanction any signings for January, much less midfield signings, which may lead to some back-office issues ahead of the January window.
The German manager believes in Barcelona’s current midfield options and is reported to be counting on them for the duration of his contract as Barcelona’s manager. The oldest option in Barcelona’s midfield is Frenkie De Jong, who recently made his return from a long-term injury.
It remains to be seen what will happen in January as the club plans their squad for the rest of the season.
