Serie A ace is Haaland’s alternative for Barcelona in the summer – report

At this point, it is no secret that Barcelona president Joan Laporta is intent on securing the signing of Erling Haaland next summer.

The Barça supremo has already held two separate meetings with the agent of the Borussia Dortmund sensation, Mino Raiola, to explore the feasibility of a transfer in 2022.

Signing the Norwegian will not be straightforward, though, considering that a host of other clubs across Europe are also in the hunt and are in a better position financially than Barcelona. Meaning they could offer him more lucrative contracts and a bigger commission to Mino Raiola.

So, it would only be prudent for the Blaugrana to make alternative plans in case the move for Haaland fails to materialise. And, as per Gerard Romero, Barcelona have identified Fiorentina’s Dusan Vlahovic as the backup option in case they fail to recruit the former RB Salzburg hitman.

Vlahovic has quickly grown into one of the best young forwards in Europe after enjoying a prolific 2020/21 season. The 21-year-old plundered 21 goals last season across all competitions and looks set to better that tally this time out, having already netted 18 times in just 22 games.

The Serbian international will also be entering the final year of his contract with the Viola at the end of the season, which would make him a slightly lesser expensive option for Barcelona to consider.

The report from Romero adds that the Catalan bigwigs have received good reports on Vlahovic and could move for him in the summer in case their pursuit of Haaland fails.

The ex-Partizan Belgrade starlet is of a very similar profile to the Dortmund striker and is of the same age as well. He may not have been as prolific as Haaland in Germany, but would represent a more than capable Plan B.