Xavi does not deny travelling to Munich to meet Erling Haaland
Barcelona manager Xavi does not deny travelling to Munich for face-to-face talks with Erling Haaland last week and says they are working ‘for the present the future of the club’ as they try to convince the young star to pick the Nou Camp over Real Madrid
- Xavi failed to deny reports that he flew to Munich to meet with Erling Haaland
- The Barcelona coach reportedly met with the 21-year-old to convince him to join
- In regards to Haaland, Xavi said we are working for the future and the present
Xavi failed to deny reports he travelled to Munich last week to hold talks with Erling Haaland in an attempt to convince the 21-year-old superstar to pick Barcelona as his next club.
Reports emerged last week that the Barcelona boss had flown to Germany alongside sporting advisor Jordi Cruyff to speak with Haaland whose £63m release clause becomes active in the summer.
Haaland is one of the biggest transfer targets this summer after establishing himself as one of best young talents in world football. Barcelona president Joan Laporta is fully aware that signing him would boost the club in terms of sponsorship deals, as well as giving the side a better chance of competing on the pitch with Europe’s elite.
Xavi failed to deny reports saying he travelled to Munich last week to meet with Erling Haaland
His second full season at Borussia Dortmund has been hit with injury including muscular problems and a hip flexor issue but when he has played, he has shown why he is so sought after.
In 14 league appearances this term, he has netted 16 goals, while he also scored three times in as many matches in the Champions League group stages.
Despite the transfer window not opening for another few months, Barcelona have made an early move to land their primary target.
The Borussia Dortmund star is said to be Barcelona’s top target and has a £63m buyout clause
However, Barcelona may have their work cut out in landing the striker as Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Norway international.
Xavi was asked about the trip to Munich during the pre-match press conference for Barcelona’s match against Elche on Sunday but failed to deny he travelled.
‘I can’t disclose details, but I can only say that we are working for the present the future of the club,’ Xavi said, as reported by Marca.
However, Barcelona face competition from major clubs in Europe to acquire his signature
‘I can’t say any more, when I can we will be the first to say it.
‘For example, yesterday we announced Pablo Torre’s arrival.
‘But, in this situation [regarding Haaland], I have nothing to say and nothing to announce, only that we are working for the good of the club, for the future and the present.’
Xavi then went on to add that every player wanted to join Barça.
‘I haven’t seen a player yet who doesn’t want to sign for Barça,’ he said as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
But the Barcelona boss seemed confident and said ‘Everyone is excited to come to Barça’
‘Everyone is excited to come to Barça’.
‘Then it depends on clauses and more, but no one is turning down Barça.’
The Barcelona boss also clarified it was not his job alone to sort transfers.
‘We are a team, with the president in charge, Mateu [Alemany], Jordi [Cruyff],’ he said.
‘They trust me a lot, I can’t say anything else.
‘I don’t decide things alone, no one decides unilaterally.
Despite an injury-hit season, the striker has scored 16 goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances
‘It is a group and I am all about the team, about asking questions, everyone having an opinion and then deciding.
‘My role is decisive, but it is not me alone.
‘It is about presenting the project to a player, the style of play and not tricking him, the city as well.
‘The most important thing is that I have not seen a single player who has said ‘no’ to Barcelona.
‘Of course there are different circumstances, but it makes all the players feel excited at the idea of joining.’
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