Tough competition for Haaland: The main rivals of Barça in the race for the '9'

FC Barcelona keeps the possibility of signing Erling Haaland open in 2026. Although the Norwegian recently renewed with Manchester City until 2034, signing an unprecedented contract in English football, the new contract gives the forward the ability to control his sporting and economic future as he pleases. The current situation at 'Cityzen' is not the best, and by the 2026-27 season, many things could change at the Etihad Stadium, although for now, there is a tense calm in both sports and institutional matters.

On one hand, Haaland's renewal represents a strong statement from the Manchester board to quell rumors about his departure next summer. The club also ensured Pep Guardiola's continuity for another year and has put more than 200 million euros on the table to strengthen the team in the winter market. Regarding the legal mess with the Premier League, there is much confidence about being able to avoid a severe sanction that could include the loss of many points or even relegation.

Regarding Erling's contract, rumors in the English press suggest a salary close to 28 million euros net per season, which translates to more than half a million per week. However, the 24-year-old forward will not have a release clause until 2029 and, in addition, will have full freedom to request his departure whenever he wishes, as well as full control over his image rights. The issue of his clause keeps a window open for Barça, but the Catalans will not be alone in the race for the Norwegian.

PSG and Real Madrid will also go all out for Haaland

On one side will be Paris Saint-Germain. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi will try to sign a world-class 'star' to finally get over the bitter pill of Kylian Mbappé's departure to Real Madrid. The Qatari Investment Fund will have no issues matching the figures of the contract that Haaland signed in Manchester, even exceeding his bonuses related to the signing of the contract and sporting achievements.

Similarly, Florentino Pérez has not forgotten about the City's '9', although the 'White House' insists on betting on lucrative contracts that do not involve a too high transfer fee. Hence, the 'merengue' board waited so long for Mbappé, who finally arrived at 'zero cost' in 2024 after more than four years of negotiations. City expects to receive a minimum of 200 'million' for Erling, a figure that Madrid will hardly agree to pay.

This scenario provides Barcelona with a certain advantage when it comes to activating contacts with the Norwegian and his agent, Rafaela Pimienta. Joan Laporta knows that, with a couple of important sales, he will have enough cash to cover the transfer, thanks to the club's return to the 1:1 rule. Likewise, the Blaugrana board is confident in the 'yes' from the '9' to a Catalan offer, as the player himself has admitted his admiration for Barça and, should he decide to leave City, he would prefer to move to another 'top' league like the Spanish one.