Barça could miss out on Laporta’s top target if UCL qualification is not achieved

Erling Haaland continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona even though the club are in a dire situation financially.

The 21-year-old is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe currently after his goal glut for Borussia Dortmund over the past couple of seasons. The Norwegian international is on the radars of almost every elite club in Europe, be it Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United.

Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, recently fueled speculations of a summer exit by naming the clubs that could potentially sign the 21-year-old superstar. And Barça were included on that list by the super-agent, despite the club’s financial situation.

While it does not necessarily mean that the Catalans are in a position to sign the Dortmund hitman, El Nacional claims that president Joan Laporta remains confident of landing the striker as he seeks a marquee signing in the summer transfer window.

Recent reports also claimed the Blaugrana may have an advantage in pursuit of the former RB Salzburg striker, as Real Madrid have their focus on Kylian Mbappe, Bayern Munich are unlikely to shell out large sums of money and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has a fraught relationship with Raiola.

However, any move would first require Barcelona to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, claims the aforementioned report from El Nacional. It is only natural for a player of Haaland’s quality and repute to want to play at the highest level and not qualifying for UCL could throw a spanner in the works for Laporta & co.

As things stand, Barça are eighth in the La Liga table, although they are only five points off of Atletico Madrid in fourth place. The Europa League also offers an avenue for Xavi Hernandez & co. to secure Champions League football for next season.

Despite the strong interest and the supposed confidence of Laporta, signing Haaland will not be an easy task for Barcelona. The finances and the intense competition for his signing will make things it extremely difficult for the Catalans to land the 21-year-old.