Barcelona president gives update on potential Erling Haaland signing

With the winter transfer window done and dusted, Barcelona’s management turn their attention to the mega-operations planned for June. Multiple factors must fall in place for the plan to succeed, right from player departures and wage reductions to cash inflow.

Erling Haaland is the primary target for the Catalans heading into the summer, as his killer profile in front of the goal is exactly what Xavi’s men lack. However, the operation is said to be economically complex.

In June 2022, the €75 million release clause for the Norwegian will be activated. However, the operation to seal his transfer is expected to cost significantly more in the form of bonuses and agent fees.

Joan Laporta spoke to Barca TV+ about the same and said he would never hide or lie about the extra fees required.

“We’re talking about Haaland. Well, what I won’t do is lie. If an impressive commission has to be paid, what I will do is explain it, not hide it,” said Laporta, referring to the fraudulent payments that the former Barcelona management -under Josep Maria Bartomeu- had made.

He then added that he would never pay without cause or entertain disproportionate payments.

“What I will never do will be payments without cause, pay money for a concept that is not true, that is false. And of course disproportionate payments.”

This season, Haaland has scored more goals than Memphis Depay, Luuk de Jong and Ousmane Dembele combined. While he has found the back of the net 16 times, the Barcelona trio has done so only 11 times.

It will not be easy for the Blaugranas to finance his move to Catalonia given their delicate financial situation. It is expected that they will have to sell 49% of Barca Studios or part ways with at least five players to make it happen.

Earlier last week, club heavy-weight Gerard Piqué spoke on the situation on a Twitch stream as well.

“I think Haaland is coming to La Liga. I want the best players with me,” said the 34-year-old.

He added: “Having Haaland and Mbappe would be good for La Liga and football in general. But if I had to make a bet, I would say that they would not play in the same team. If they move from their clubs now, anyway.”

As per the reliable Catalunya Radio, Mateu Alemany, the club’s sporting director, is currently working on bringing the superstar to Barcelona in the summer, as the Norwegian remains the club’s number one priority.

Stats via Transfermarkt