JOAN LAPORTA is reportedly obsessed with bringing Erling Haaland to Barcelona and sees the Manchester City goal machine as the long-term heir to Robert Lewandowski.
The Barca president is dreaming big again, with fresh reports in Spain claiming the Catalan giants are plotting a sensational swoop for Haaland next summer, despite the club still drowning in financial issues.
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Lewandowski, 37, is expected to walk away when his contract expires at the end of the season – three years after joining from Bayern Munich.
While the Polish striker remains key this campaign, proven by his late brace off the bench against Valencia – new boss Hansi Flick is already managing his minutes carefully after a pre-season injury.
Ferran Torres has been chipping in with goals but doubts remain over whether he’s cut out to lead the line full-time.
That’s why Laporta, alongside sporting director Deco, is hell-bent on bringing in a proper No9 – and Haaland tops the wishlist.
According to Spanish outlet El Nacional, former City star Julian Alvarez has also been discussed, but Laporta’s sights are firmly set on Haaland.
The Norwegian hitman, 24, signed a monster ten-year deal with City in January – tying him down until 2034 and scrapping any release clause.
He’s reportedly raking in £400k a week and has smashed an incredible 111 goals in 126 games since his £51million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
He’s already won two Premier League titles and a Champions League under Pep Guardiola and many thought a move to La Liga was next on his career plan, with Real Madrid long-term admirers.
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Barcelona couldn’t afford him last time but they’ve never taken their eyes off him.
Despite their financial headaches, El Nacional claim Laporta is optimistic.
He believes any slip in form at City could see Haaland question his future and he’s prioritising a move for 2026.
Meanwhile, things aren’t looking any better off the pitch at Barca. Their long-awaited return to the iconic Nou Camp has been hit by more delays.
They’re now being forced to host games at the tiny 6,000-seater Estadi Johan Cruyff, leaving frustrated fans fuming over more holdups in the £1.25billion stadium rebuild.
