Barcelona will trust veteran striker in a starter role if they fail to sign Haaland – report

After having the pleasure to watch Lionel Messi for more than a decade, Barcelona want to bring in arguably the best of the next generation in Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has a €75 million release clause that can be activated in the summer and is likely to cost an amount close to €100 million, including commission.

Haaland does, however, have suitors across the continent, with Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United all in the race. As such, Barcelona must prepare a contingency plan in the event that they fail to land his signature.

One of the alternatives, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, is trusting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with the reins while bringing in a young striker who can push him for the role.

The Gabonese striker has had an exciting start to life at Barcelona, scoring four goals in five games, including the fourth of four against Napoli in a 2-4 win.

One of the youngsters they can bring is Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad. The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona recently and proves to be a future superstar.

He scored 17 goals and assisted two last season but has had a slow start to life this time around, scoring just 4. That said, it is clear that signing a centre-forward is on the top of the priority list for Barça as they head into the new season.