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Barcelona preparing to knock Manchester City out of the Erling Haaland race

By Nikhil Venkat Sai

Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland reacts after the end of the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs SpVgg Greuther Fuerth in Dortmund, on December 15, 2021. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by Ina Fassbender / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)
Dortmund's Norwegian forward Erling Braut Haaland reacts after the end of the German first division Bundesliga football match Borussia Dortmund vs SpVgg Greuther Fuerth in Dortmund, on December 15, 2021. - DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by Ina Fassbender / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images) /
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It was only a few days ago that Barcelona club president Joan Laporta met with Mino Raiola in a hotel at Turin, Italy. It was apparently a planned and formal meet and one of the main talking points of the discussion was Erling Haaland.

Haaland, 21,  has been linked with a series of top European clubs to move to next summer. The likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been vying to get his signature.

Related Story. Understanding the gaping hope in the Manchester City ranks. light

With 76 goals and 20 assists from 74 games, Haaland has certainly proven that he is ready for the next step as Manchester City look to get his signature, to fill the void left by former City striker and club legend, Sergio Aguero.

Having said that, Manchester City have been considered to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Erling Haaland with only Real Madrid said to be able to compete with them for the 21-year-old’s signature. With the Norwegian striker’s €75 million release clause coming into play next summer, Haaland’s transfer is more or less confirmed.

Barcelona are in desperate need of a striker as well and Haaland is said to be Laporta’s ‘dream’. Despite the woeful financial situation of the Catalans, the former La Liga champions are said to be preparing a €70 million bid for the prospect. 

With Laporta holding good relations with Mino Raiola (Haaland’s agent), the total cost of the deal could come down significantly for the Blaugrana.

Next. Manchester City tipped to plot a sensational £45 million bid for Serie A star this winter. dark

Manchester City are expected to go all-out for the 21-year-old once the next summer window kick starts but if Barca qualifies for the Champions League next season, the game could be Manchester City’s to lose. Having said that, if Barca do improve under Xavi and mount a strong challenge for the top four, City will find it tough to sign Haaland but it will not be impossible because of their financial superiority.

As far as Barcelona are concerned, their main worry is that Paris Saint-Germain could enter the race at any point and especially if Kylian Mbappe leaves for Real Madrid.

What do you think is going to happen?

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