Erling Haaland to Barcelona?! La Liga giants plot transfer raid on Man City in elaborate bid to prevent Xavi from stepping down as manager

Posted Wednesday, April 03, 2024 by Goal.com

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a transfer raid on Manchester City for Erling Haaland in 2025, with the Liga giants eager to see Xavi stay put.

Coach planning on stepping down this summer
Recruitment may lead to a change of heart
Lewandowski replacement required at Camp Nou

WHAT HAPPENED?

Back in January, Blaugrana legend Xavi stated his intention to step down as manager at Camp Nou when the 2023-24 campaign comes to a close. Barca have since reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League and closed the gap on Clasico rivals Real Madrid in the Liga title race, leading to suggestions that Xavi could be talked into staying put.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barca believe that ambition in the recruitment market will help them to convince their current head coach that more success can be savoured, with Mundo Deportivo claiming that prolific Norwegian striker Haaland will be targeted in the summer of 2025.

DID YOU KNOW?

Haaland has previously been linked with a move to Madrid, which would see him become another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu, but Barcelona are confident that they can compete for the most sought-after of signatures. Haaland is currently tied to a contract at City through to 2027, but those terms are said to include exit clauses.

WHAT NEXT?

Barca are keen to have contingency plans in place for when Robert Lewandowski departs, with the Polish frontman set to turn 36 in August. Haaland would be a suitable long-term replacement and the kind of addition that would help to keep Xavi in the most demanding of coaching roles.