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Barcelona president Juan Laporta is reportedly eyeing Manchester City striker Erling Haaland as a big-name signing ahead of the Camp Nou reopening. The Norwegian has been in top form since arriving at the Etihad in the summer of 2022.
Haaland, 24, has completed a century of goals - 101 - in 108 games across competitions, to go with 14 assists, for City since moving from Borussia Dortmund two years ago.
He has been on a tear this season as well, plundering 10 strikes in seven games in the Premier League, where Pep Guardiola's side are a point behind leaders Liverpool (18). However, Haaland is contracted to the Etihad till 2027, and considering Barca's well-documented financial woes, a move seems difficult.
Barca's interest in Haaland - as per SPORT - started in March 2021 when the player's then agent Mino Raiola and Erling's father conducted a 'tour' of prospective destinations for the striker.
The publication reports that Barca remain interested in the Norwegian, one of the most sought-after strikers on the planet, with Laporta looking at Haaland as one of two marquee signings in 2025 or 2026 ahead of the Camp Nou reopening.
What's next for Barcelona?
Barcelona have made a superb start to life under new head coach Hansi Flick. The former Bayern Munich and Germany tactician arrived this summer at the Camp Nou to replace the legendary Xavi, who left at the end of the last season.
Flick's side are atop the La Liga standings after nine games, winning eight, three points clear of second-placed holders Real Madrid (21), who are unbeaten in the league.
Barca won their opening seven games before the perfect start to their league campaign was snapped in a 4-2 loss at Osasuna. However, they returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win at Alaves just before the ongoing international break.
In the UEFA Champions League, Barca suffered a shock 2-1 loss at AS Monaco in their opener but thumped Swiss side BSC Young Boys 5-0 at home on matchday two. They return to action next on Sunday (October 20) in La Liga, where they host Sevilla.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski has been in top form for the La Liga leaders this season, scoring 12 times across competitions, including 10 in the league, where Barca are seeking their first title in two years. The 36-year-old, though, drew a blank as Poland lost 3-1 at home to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League at the weekend.
