Barcelona plotting to repeat Griezmann transfer trick to beat Man Utd to Erling Haaland

Will Haaland leave Dortmund this summer?

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Barcelona president Joan Laporta is hoping to use his strong relationship with Mino Raiola to engineer an unlikely move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, according to reports. The 20-year-old marksman, who has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea for some time, is said to be an option for the Catalan giants this summer in spite of their current financial crisis.

Haaland has been on Barcelona’s radar for a number of months, but the possibility of a move looks to have been accelerated by their failure to prevent Lionel Messi’s shock departure.

The Norway international has established himself as one of the world’s most feared attackers since joining Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in January of last year, scoring 62 goals from 61 appearances in all competitions.

The Bundesliga outfit have reportedly slapped an eye-watering valuation of £150million on Haaland to ward off any potential suitors, with club chiefs determined to keep hold of their prized asset for the time being.

However, it seems as though Barcelona could be prepared to launch a late move for his signature, with just two weeks remaining until the summer transfer window slams shut.

The five-time European champions will aim to use Laporta’s friendship with Raiola, who represents Haaland, to engineer a five-year deal for the striker with the first two years at a reduced salary, according to Ok Diario.

JUST IN: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti makes Cristiano Ronaldo statement

Such a move would be similar in nature to Barcelona’s capture of Antoine Griezmann back in 2019, with the Frenchman agreeing to take an initial pay cut before seeing his wage improved from the third year onwards.

It is claimed that a successful approach for Haaland would be extremely unlikely given Dortmund’s reluctance to sell, but Laporta will explore his options in order to fill the void left by Messi’s exit.

Barcelona’s financial problems mean that Dortmund will also need to agree to a staggered payment of any transfer fee over a number of years, placing the move in further doubt.

Meanwhile, Griezmann, who has been linked with a move elsewhere this summer, could reportedly be sold with the aim of funding Haaland’s arrival.

It is said that Barcelona would entertain any bids around the £40m mark, which is half the fee paid to sign the 30-year-old from Atletico Madrid two years ago.

Manchester City and Manchester United have been credited with a shared interest in Griezmann as of late, but the likelihood of a Premier League switch remains to be seen.

Even if Barcelona manage to ship him out before this month’s transfer deadline, it seems unlikely that Laporta will be able to bring Haaland to the Nou Camp before the start of next season at the earliest.

Sebastian Kehl, who will succeed Michael Zorc as Dortmund’s sporting director next year, has already insisted that Haaland will not be sold over the coming weeks.

When quizzed on whether the forward will still be at the Westfalenstadion after the transfer window, Kehl told reporters: “Yes.

“In the conversations with Mino Raiola about the [Donyell] Malen transfer, I did not have the feeling that we would have to meet again soon about Erling.

“And we have already emphasised a thousand times that we do not want to give him up.”

Source: Read Full Article