Laporta 'Plots' Haaland Swoop as Barca's 2026 Striker Plan

‎Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly determined to bring Erling Haaland to Camp Nou in 2026 as the long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. Reports in Spain suggest that the Manchester City striker has become an “obsession” for Laporta, who remains confident that a deal could eventually be struck.

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‎Barcelona president Joan Laporta is targeting Erling Haaland in 2026 as Robert Lewandowski’s successor, despite the striker’s Man City contract.

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‎The Blaugrana are expected to enter the transfer market for a new No.9 in the summer of 2026, with Lewandowski’s current deal approaching its expiration. The Polish forward, who will be 37 by then, is not anticipated to receive a contract extension despite scoring 42 goals in Barcelona’s La Liga title-winning campaign last season.

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‎Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been named as one possible candidate for the role, but Haaland is viewed as the marquee addition Laporta wants. El Nacional has reported that Haaland has been a priority for Laporta since his return to the presidency, with optimism behind the scenes that the Norwegian forward will eventually make the move to Spain.

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‎Haaland is currently contracted to Manchester City until 2034, earning a reported £400,000 per week. His previous deal included release clauses, but those terms were removed when he signed his latest extension with the Premier League champions.

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‎Barcelona’s financial challenges are well documented, and the costs involved in pursuing Haaland would be considerable. However, Laporta is said to be unwavering in his pursuit, aiming to add another prolific striker to Barcelona’s ranks as the club prepares for a return to its renovated Camp Nou stadium.