Erling Haaland’s father spotted in Barcelona amid transfer links

Just yesterday, we shared news of Barcelona’s strategy to thwart Real Madrid’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe as the team from Catalan has set its sights on a hefty investment in Manchester City’s forward, Erling Haaland, for the summer of 2025.

A recent intriguing development in that regard unfolded with the surprise appearance of Alf-Inge Haaland in Barcelona, reports SPORT. 

This afternoon, the father of the Man City forward was spotted having an informal meal at a restaurant situated on Passeig de Gracia in Barcelona. 

While the details of his agenda in the Catalan capital remain undisclosed, his presence has certainly stirred curiosity and speculation.

Can Barcelona afford Haaland?

Right now, no!

Considering Barcelona’s current financial woes, pursuing Haaland seems implausible at present. 

Nonetheless, the club is optimistic about their prospects in 2025 as they anticipate several factors aligning in their favour to make a move for the Manchester City sensation viable. 

Primarily, a return to Spotify Camp Nou is anticipated to rejuvenate the club’s revenue streams, thereby offering a solution to their economic challenges.

Moreover, club president Joan Laporta enjoys a strong rapport with Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, who recently engaged with Deco, and it’s noteworthy that Maxwell, Pimenta’s partner at the agency, is a former Barcelona player. 

Erling Haaland will be a target for Barcelona in 2025. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

All these factors are aligning well for Barcelona towards achieving a near-impossible goal.

Haaland Sr. has discussed a move in the past

It must be remembered that in 2022, when Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski, they were equally interested in Haaland.

That year, Haaland had agreed to join Barcelona, however, due to the club’s poor financial situation at the time, they couldn’t finalize the deal.

The entire process for Barcelona’s attempt to sign Haaland began in April 2021, when Haaland’s father and then-agent, Mino Raiola, flew to Barcelona to understand their sporting plans. 

The next day, Haaland’s representatives travelled to England and after prolonged discussions and considering Barcelona’s financial challenges, the talented striker opted to sign with Manchester City instead.

Haaland will be Laporta’s weapon

Alf-Inge Haaland’s current visit to Barcelona coincides with Laporta’s plan to delve into the possibility of securing the forward’s signature for the future. 

The club president aims to initiate discussions regarding this potential signing, setting his sights on the 2026 re-election, coinciding with the completion of Camp Nou’s renovation.

Laporta, drawing from past experience, understands the transformative power of a marquee signing, reminiscent of his successful acquisition of Ronaldinho. 

With an eye towards the future, he is strategizing a move of significant financial and sporting magnitude upon his potential re-election in a couple of years.