Overview

• Spanish outlet El Nacional is cited across multiple reports claiming Joan Laporta is obsessed with signing Erling Haaland as Barcelona’s long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski, with 2026 framed as the target.
• Haaland is tied to a multi-year Manchester City contract agreed in January 2025 that reports say removed any release clause, making a transfer complex and costly.
• OneFootball highlighted analysis from Pete O’Rourke stating Manchester City are not entertaining offers for Haaland and believe they can keep the striker.
• UK and international coverage reiterates the El Nacional claim but offers no evidence of bids, talks or public statements from Haaland or City to advance a move.
• Barcelona’s financial constraints are widely noted as a major hurdle to any nine-figure deal and wages, with Julián Álvarez mentioned as a more attainable alternative under consideration.