Barcelona close in on three signings as two stars transfer-listed to fund Haaland move
Posted Saturday, March 27, 2021 by Express.co.uk
Barcelona are set for a busy transfer window as new president Joan Laporta bids to convince Lionel Messi to stay.
Barcelona are reportedly close to completing three low-cost signings in order to facilitate a blockbuster swoop for Erling Haaland. The Catalans giants are facing a hugely decisive transfer window with Lionel Messi current on course to depart at the end of the season.
Ronald Koeman is yet to convince the Argentine to stay put as Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain circle and prepare to pounce to seal a free transfer.
Yet behind the scenes, Barcelona are already working on a number of signings that are nearing completion.
Memphis Depay is set to leave Lyon on a free transfer and reunite with former Netherlands boss Koeman at the Camp Nou.
The same applies to Gini Wijnaldum, who is yet to reach an agreement with Liverpool over a new contract.
Erling Haaland is now Barcelona's top transfer target (Image: GETTY)
Furthermore, Eric Garcia has already agreed terms over a move to Barca when his Manchester City contract runs out.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona want to bring in the three signings and then go all out for Erling Haaland.
The four moves would conclude their summer business and Koeman will also be allowed to continue for another season.
Borussia Dortmund are said to have set Haaland's price-tag at £154million, meaning Barcelona will have to recoup some funds through sales.
Reports in Spain last week claimed that Barca will try and offload Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann to fund the move.
Both have failed to take Barcelona to new heights after arriving for extortionate fees.
Coutinho could be available for as cheap as £35million when the transfer window reopens.
Although Koeman and the Barcelona board are desperate for Messi to stay, a move for Haaland may only be realistic if he leaves.
Erling Haaland would cost Barcelona close to £150m (Image: GETTY)
Then again, the Norwegian is unlikely to favour a move to Catalonia should he not have the chance to play with Messi.
Laporta is convinced that signing the Borussia Dortmund frontman would be enough to convince Messi to stay.
The club's fortunes on the field have improved since their Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG.
They will play Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey final while they are now just four points adrift of Atletico Madrid.
Photos
More»
'World Cup's sexiest fan' reveals she WILL be heading...
Saturday May 18 2024
Real star Endrick banned from having VIRTUAL lover
Saturday May 18 2024
Mikayla Demaiter took social media by storm once more
Friday May 17 2024
Your Say