Barcelona will look to cash in on one of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo to fund the move for Erling Haaland, who will cost €100 million.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Erling Haaland is the subject of interest from Barcelona. The Manchester City striker is also a target for bitter rival Real Madrid. But the reigning La Liga champions have created a plan to fund the move for the Norwegian international, who will cost around €100 million.
The Rise and Rise of Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has been one of the best players in the world for a few years. The 23-year-old rose to prominence during his short stint with Red Bull Salzburg. But he saw his stock skyrocket during his spell with Borussia Dortmund, where he scored goals for fun and became a prolific striker.
The Norwegian international unsurprisingly had several high-profile clubs chasing his signature before Manchester City secured his services in what now seems like a cost-effective deal worth €60 million. He hit the ground running at the Etihad and top-scored in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League as Manchester City won the treble.
While injury woes have troubled the former Borussia Dortmund striker this season, he has still managed an excellent tally of 19 goals and five assists in 22 appearances thus far. But recent reports have pointed to a release clause worth €100 million in Haaland’s contract, alerting Barcelona and Real Madrid.
A Man in Demand
Barcelona’s interest in Haaland stems from Robert Lewandowski’s inconsistent performances this season. While Vitor Roque has arrived from Brazil, he will unlikely become the undisputed first-choice striker anytime soon. So, it behoves Barcelona to invest in a striker, with the Manchester City attacker emerging as a viable target.
The reigning La Liga champions have now hatched a ploy to secure Haaland’s services and beat Real Madrid to his signature. Barcelona will look to cash in on one of Raphinha and Ronald Araujo to raise the necessary €100 million to land the 23-year-old. But that might still not be enough to beat Real Madrid.
Speaking of Real Madrid, Los Blancos did not replace Karim Benzema with a world-class striker in the summer. So, it is hardly surprising that they want to sign Haaland to fill Benzema’s void. And the Manchester City striker is reportedly keen on joining Real Madrid. So, it will be interesting to see where the Norwegian international plies his trade next season.
