Ambitious plan revealed as Barcelona attempt to beat Chelsea, City to blockbuster transfer
A report has detailed Barcelona’s ambitious plan as they attempt to beat Chelsea and Manchester City to the capture of Erling Haaland.
The striker could leave Borussia Dortmund in 2022, although he will not be moving in January. According to various reports, Haaland has a €75million (£63m) release clause which becomes active this summer.
Dortmund, of course, want to prevent an exit by tying him down to a new contract. But Haaland recently gave a frustrated interview where he spoke about the ‘pressure’ being put on him by the club.
“The last six months, I have chosen not to say anything out of respect for Dortmund,” the Norwegian said (via Sky Sports).
“But now the club has started to pressure me into making a decision, but all I want to do is to play football.
“But they press me to make a decision now about my future. So that means I have to make a decision soon.
“I have said from the beginning that I want to focus on football, because that is when I am at my best, not when other things come into my mind.
Erling Haaland reveals Dortmund pressure
“Now they have put pressure for a while. So it is time to get things started. All I want to do is to play football, but I can’t do that now.”
Barcelona are hoping to win the race for Haaland, although they face competition from Chelsea, City and Real Madrid.
Goal claim Xavi’s side want to raise €100m (£83m) to cover not just the release clause, but also the associated contract and agent fees.
They have to be intelligent to do that given their substantial debt. According to the report, Barcelona could sell a 49 per cent stake in their production company Barca Studios. This would give them a huge financial boost and may even cover most of Haaland’s cost.
The Spanish giants could also agree new chest and sleeve sponsors for their shirts. An advanced payment for this commodity would see their spending power bolstered even further.
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Other suitors cannot be ruled out
Barca clearly know what they need to do to secure Haaland’s services. But it will be far from easy.
Manchester United recently pulled out of the transfer race after several senior officials apparently admitted he would join Real Madrid.
Chelsea are yet to see the best of Romelu Lukaku, which has led to rumours of Haaland moving to Stamford Bridge as his replacement. But Thomas Tuchel says he would have ‘no problem’ in playing the two goalscorers together.
City, meanwhile, are yet to properly replace Sergio Aguero. Haaland would be an obvious solution, given his incredible output and his father’s links with the club.
READ MORE: Chelsea change to familiar transfer track for ideal addition subject of past €40m move
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