Barcelona establish contact with Erling Haaland, plot Real Madrid hijack

Barcelona have established contact with Erling Haaland’s entourage as they hope to beat Real Madrid for the Manchester City star.

According to Fichajes, Manchester City’s star striker Erling Haaland could ensure a big transfer battle between bitter Spanish rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Catalan giants have established contact with the Norwegian’s entourage as a report of a €100 million release clause in the forward’s contract emerges.

Are Barcelona in the chase for Erling Haaland?

There are hardly a few clubs with the financial capability to sign a player of Erling Haaland’s stature. Considering if the reporting of some outlets is true, then there are chances barely any Premier League side apart from Manchester City could even afford his current package.

Haaland arrived at Manchester City in a €60 million-plus move owing to a release clause in his contract. In his first season, he was the top scorer in two big competitions as Manchester City won the treble. As per a recent report, the Norwegian has a €100 million release clause meant for clubs outside of the Premier League.

Barcelona are now the latest to join the race, and the Blaugrana are clearly thinking about adding the €100 million-rated Manchester City star to their ranks. It is a big idea for them, although they have kept tabs for some time now. They have already established contact with the player’s entourage, which could see them accelerate their efforts.

Barcelona may not have financial capabilities as things stand. But they have always surprised many with their ideas to raise funds, and they could make an effort for Haaland. The Manchester City star also has the attention of Real Madrid, which could ensure a big transfer battle between the bitter rivals of Spanish football.

Could Erling Haaland leave Manchester City?

No team would want to lose a striker of Haaland’s quality, especially as the Norwegian continues to perform in front of goal. His tally of 50-plus goals was the highest among all forwards in Europe, and Pep Guardiola would barely even cringe at the idea of letting the striker leave had things been in his hands. Manchester City are keen on handing him a new contract, which could see the clause taken out or at least improved.

Rumours of a release clause have been rife since his move to Manchester City. But the idea of €100 million for foreign clubs could prove astonishing. Whether the news is true remains the question, although its existence could bring forward a move to Spain. There are doubts over Barcelona’s finances, but with Real Madrid intent on signing him, the Catalans could find themselves on the back foot.