Barcelona face competition to sign Erling Haaland as European giants plot deal that would make him one of world’s highest-paid players: Reports
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly planning to compete with Barcelona for Manchester City star Erling Haaland. The French side are ready to offer him massive wages and make him one of the highest-paid players in the world.
As per a report in El Nacional, PSG want Haaland as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who left the club in the summer and joined Real Madrid on a free transfer. The Ligue1 side are looking to add a striker and believe that they can lure the Manchester City star.
Barcelona are said to be interested in bringing Haaland to LaLiga next summer after Real Madrid signed Mbappe. President Joan Laporta is looking to hit back with a big scoop and sees the Manchester City star as the ideal fit.
However, both PSG and Barcelona are not going to have an easy run at the striker as Manchester City are unwilling to sell him. His contract, which expires in 2027, has no release clause and the Premier League champions are interested in extending his deal at the Etihad.
Barcelona tried to sign Erling Haaland before his move to Manchester City
Joan Laporta confirmed in 2022 that Barcelona were interested in Erling Haaland when he was at Borussia Dortmund. He refused to talk much about the striker as he believed it would increase the price but said via GOAL:
"I cannot say anything because his price will go up. We are planning to strengthen all of our lines. We are working. We will make economic decisions to favour sporting issues. Every player wants to come to Barca, but we'll let those who know what they're doing carry out their work."
The president added that the striker had talks with then-manager Xavi and said:
"I can't give details. I can only say that we are working for both the present and the future of the club. When we can announce something, like the signing of Pablo Torre, we'll do that. I can't say anything else, only that we're working for the present and the future."
He continued:
"I can deny that there has been any kind of negotiation over Haaland. Not a meeting, nor a conversation, nothing. With regards to the meeting between Xavi and Haaland in Munich, that's none of my business, but two sportsmen can talk about football, I suppose. The first thing we'd do is contact Borussia Dortmund, his club."
Despite interest from several clubs, Haaland opted to join Manchester City and has been in fine form. The striker helped the Cityzens win the Premier League title in the last two seasons and also the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.