Barcelona are reportedly in talks with Mino Raiola over the potential signing of Borussia Dortmund superstar and Real Madrid target Erling Haaland.
According to a report from El Nacional, Barcelona have emerged as the favourites to secure the signing of Borussia Dortmund centre-forward Erling Haaland, who is also a key transfer target for arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Haaland has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the game currently. Having enjoyed a stunning spell at Austrian club RB Salzburg, the 21-year-old signed for Borussia Dortmund in January last year and has taken his game up to a whole new level with the Bundesliga giants.
To date, Haaland has produced a stunning tally of 72 goals and 19 assists from just 71 matches in all competitions, with 15 of those goals coming in the ongoing campaign. Given his goalscoring exploits, the Norwegian international has popped up on the radars of almost every top club in Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid emerging as fierce competitors for his signing.
Barcelona are on the lookout for a marquee signing to lead the club into a new era after the departure of club legend Lionel Messi this past summer. Furthermore, they have serious concerns with regard to the options in the No. 9 slot, with Sergio Aguero facing the prospect of retirement due to a heart condition while Memphis Depay has struggled to impact games when deployed centrally.
To that end, Haaland has emerged as the top target for Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who is desperate to land the 21-year-old next summer. However, the La Liga giants will have to stave off intense competition for his transfer from bitter rivals Real Madrid.
Los Blancos are in a good position to secure the signing of Kylian Mbappe. But they are keen on bringing in Haaland to the club as well, as they look for a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema and form a star-studded attacking trident of Mbappe, Haaland and the in-form Vinicius Junior.
However, the report adds that Barcelona are currently the favourites to sign Haaland as the Norwegian international favours a move to Camp Nou, where he will be the main man and not have to share the spotlight. He has already informed his desire to leave Dortmund in the summer, when his €75 million release clause becomes active, while also telling his agent, Raiola, to focus on engineering a move to Barca.
It is further claimed that Barcelona have already begun negotiations with the super-agent to work out an arrangement over a move. Given their financial situation, the Catalans are understood to have requested Raiola to reduce his signing bonus and the 21-year-old’s wage demands while offering to make up for it in the future.
With Raiola enjoying a healthy relationship with Barca president Joan Laporta, there may be a chance that an agreement could be arrived at, especially with Haaland keen on the move. However, working out the details will not be easy while the prospect of Barcelona missing out on Champions League football cannot be dismissed at this point, which could prove a major roadblock as well.