“Won’t complete any risky deal”: Barcelona president says goodbye to Haaland transfer?

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has dropped a huge hint that the Catalans could be set to end their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.

The 21-year-old’s prolific goalscoring record since joining the German giants has made him a top target for several elite European clubs. He has been earmarked as the absolute priority for the Blaugrana heading into the summer transfer window.

Laporta and Xavi have been working hard to get the deal over the line, with the president meeting the striker’s agent, Mino Raiola, on multiple occasions, while the Barça manager travelled to Germany to meet the Norwegian hitman.

However, recent reports seemed to indicate that Haaland was inching closer towards a summer switch to Premier League champions Manchester City.

Now, Laporta has cast further doubts over Barcelona’s pursuit of the former Red Bull Salzburg striker, insisting that the club will not make any signings that would jeopardise their financial position.

It is no secret that the Blaugrana have been struggling economically for the past year. And a move for Haaland would easily end up costing around €300 million.

And, Laporta’s coy comments when pushed about Barça’s interest in the Norwegian may hint towards the club distancing themselves from the race.

Speaking to Esport3 (h/t Fabrizio Romano), he said: “Even if we had the best financial situation in the world, we wouldn’t do some deals for the sake of the club. We won’t complete any deal that puts the club at any further risk.”

It now remains to be seen whether these comments end up being the final nail in the coffin in the La Liga giants’ pursuit of Haaland.