The Obsession That Won’t Die

Since his return to the presidency, Joan Laporta has been determined to restore FC Barcelona to its former glory with world-class signings. Among all the names linked to the club, one has never left his list: Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker is seen as the natural successor to Robert Lewandowski, whose time at the club is nearing its end.

According to El Nacional, Laporta is keeping the “Haaland obsession” alive and believes 2026 could be the year Barça finally makes its move. By then, Lewandowski, who will be 37, will see his contract expire and the club will be in need of a new attacking leader.

Lewandowski and the Search for a New No.9

Lewandowski is still delivering at the highest level: last season he scored 42 goals, proving his instincts remain sharp. However, the board has no plans to extend his deal, with a clear intention to rejuvenate the squad’s front line.

In this scenario, other names such as Julián Álvarez, now at Atlético de Madrid, have surfaced. Yet Laporta’s ultimate dream remains Haaland, a player who embodies power, goals, and marketing appeal all in one.

The Financial and Contractual Wall

The challenge is obvious: Haaland is under contract with Manchester City until 2034, earning around £400,000 per week. In his last renewal, the release clauses that once offered an escape route were removed. That means Barça would need to launch a massive financial operation that clashes with their current economic limitations.

Even so, Laporta clings to the belief that Barça’s sporting project and the reopening of the renovated Camp Nou could entice the Norwegian striker in 2026.

A Dream That Persists

At a club that has had to cut costs and rely heavily on youth products like Lamine Yamal and Cubarsí, targeting Haaland may look unrealistic. But Laporta has proven before that he doesn’t shy away from impossible challenges.

Will Haaland become Barça’s next great No.9? For now, it’s just a dream—but in Laporta’s mind, that dream is more alive than ever.