Erling Haaland’s Spain links return as Barcelona want to snap up Man City striker

Erling Haaland in action in Madrid

The transfer rumours surrounding Erling Haaland refuse to fade, with the Norwegian goal machine once again being touted for a blockbuster move to Spain.

New reports have focused on Barcelona’s interest in signing the Manchester City striker, but is such a move realistic in the next transfer window?

Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font is one of the key figures pushing for a move for Haaland, and speculation has therefore continued to grow.

It is a narrative that has taken on a new lease of life over the past few months.

Long-term interest from both Barcelona and Real Madrid is well known within City’s corridors of power, yet making a genuine breakthrough to sign him remains extremely difficult.

In theory, it is true that Haaland can imagine himself playing for one of Spain’s biggest clubs.

In the current landscape, it also appears that Barcelona may be a step ahead of rivals Madrid when it comes to positioning themselves for the striker.

However, sources close to City are keen to point out that this does not mean a transfer is imminent.

Haaland is under contract at Manchester City until 2034 and remains fully focused on the task at hand this season.

There are two factors that could begin to influence his thinking. The first is if City fail to achieve significant trophy success, and the second is if Pep Guardiola leaves the club.

The head coach is contracted until 2027, but there has been speculation that he could decide to depart sooner.

In a moment like that, particularly if City do not win silverware this season, Haaland could become an even more attractive option for Spain’s biggest clubs, and it may begin to feel as though his head could be turned.

However, Haaland also has the World Cup to focus on this summer, and sources suggest that this is another reason why this is unlikely to be the window in which he makes a blockbuster move.

Dean Jones