Barcelona president confirms Xavi’s meeting with Haaland

As talks about Barcelona’s move for Erling Haaland continue to pick up steam, club president Joan Laporta has made a big revelation.

Earlier in the week, reports emerged that Barça manager, Xavi Hernandez, had travelled to Munich to meet up with the Borussia Dortmund superstar and convince him to make the switch to Camp Nou.

The 21-year-old had been in Munich as he continues to recover from his adductor injury. Xavi, when asked about the matter during his pre-match presser before the game against Elche, did not give anything away.

However, now, president Laporta has confirmed that the 42-year-old did have a meeting with the Norwegian international. As quoted by SPORT, Laporta said: “That is none of my business. It’s a conversation between sportsmen without any type of negotiation.”

At the same time, though, the Barça supremo was quick to add that there had been no negotiations between the two clubs. “I deny that there’s been any type of negotiation for Haaland,” he added.

Speaking of his equation with Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, Laporta said: “I have a good relationship with Raiola, but if I want a player, I have to speak with their club.”

Things certainly seem to be set in motion in the background as Barcelona are pouring in all the efforts to try and sign Haaland from Dortmund at the end of the season.

The prolific goalscorer has a release clause of €75 million which can be triggered, while there will be hefty commissions involved for the player’s father, Alf-Inge, and Raiola as well.

Beyond that, Barcelona are also ready to offer a massive contract worth around €175 million over five years to lure Haaland to Camp Nou. But the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Manchester City also remain in the hunt. So, it remains to be seen where the 21-year-old ends up next season.