Barcelona board admits deal to sign Bundesliga goal-machine is ‘very difficult’

After being in the running for several years, Barcelona seems to be backing out in the race to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund. Joan Laporta dropped a hint some days ago, stating that they “will not complete any risky deals”.

Today as well, reports stated that Barcelona have dropped out of the running, with Real Madrid and Manchester City in pole position for Haaland’s signature.

Now, Barcelona’s economic vice-president, Eduard Romeu, has given a further update on the situation.

“Signing Haaland is not impossible for us. However, at the moment, the numbers escape us. At Barça, nothing is impossible, but it is becoming very difficult,” he was quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

Xavi had reportedly met Haaland in Germany to explain Barça’s sporting project, with him at the forefront. But it seems they have only been able to meet one end of the straw.

Any deal for Haaland is expected to cross the €120 million threshold almost immediately. His release clause is set at €75 million, and it would not be farfetched to expect nearly €50 million in commission to his father and agent, Mino Raiola.

Further, the Borussia Dortmund striker is expected to rake in nearly €30 million in annual salary – a figure Barcelona cannot meet.

Their problems were worsened further by La Liga, who announced that the Catalan giants’ spending limit had been decreased to -€144 million from €97 million at the turn of the year.

That said, they could be in for several economic boosts in the coming days, though. Spotify’s sponsorship deal is set to be announced soon. The music-streaming giants will pay Barça approximately €65 million annually.

Further, it seems an additional ~€300 million is well on the way for Joan Laporta and co. with the new, renovated CVC deal.

If Haaland is to decide his future in the coming days, Barça’s economic proposal might evade him as the club continues to evaluate their finances. But with player sales and a larger salary cap, he could be well on his way to the Camp Nou.