Enric Masip, Joan Laporta’s key advisor, has commented on Barcelona’s chances of snapping up Erling Haaland.
In an interview with Spanish radio network Cadena SER, Enric Masip spoke about various topics, including Barcelona’s progress under Xavi Hernandez and the potential return of Lionel Messi. Joan Laporta’s key advisor also commented on the prospect of signing Erling Haaland, but was coy in his explanation of the situation.
Erling Haaland is one of the best strikers in Europe, having gone from strength to strength since joining Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020. While the Black and Yellows have often flattered to deceive, the Norwegian international has been one of the few consistent performers for them.
Even in a season in which he has been blighted by several injuries, the 21-year-old has a stellar tally of 23 goals and six assists in 23 appearances across all competitions. But Haaland looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window amid interest from several high profile clubs across Europe, with Barcelona also linked with him.
Recent reports have heavily tipped Manchester City as the favourites to land Haaland. Barcelona could also do with a player of Haaland’s qualities amid uncertainties surrounding the futures of Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the wrong side of 30, Haaland could be the former Arsenal captain’s long-term successor.
But recent reports have suggested that Barcelona could be out of the race to sign Haaland, as they cannot financially compete with Manchester City and Real Madrid. Now, though, Enric Masip, a key advisor to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, has suggested that the Blaugrana might have a chance of snapping up Haaland.
Masip said, “I refer to the words that the president said: the club is in a position to be able to sign, but obviously, there have to be movements. For someone to come, someone has to leave. That is in the hands of the technical secretariat and then later there is the economic part.”
“We come from an economic situation, but Barça has formulas and credits so that the team can be as high as possible. Speaking of Haaland, he is a player who has enormous quality and is a true ‘9’. football level, he is a player who would always be interesting in any big team.”
For his part, even Laporta has suggested that Barcelona might have ended the pursuit of Haaland. But Masip’s comments hint at Barcelona still being in the running to prise Haaland away from Borussia Dortmund in the summer transfer window.
