Manchester City report: Barcelona looking to trigger Erling Haaland clause – and Real Madrid might endorse move

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Manchester City star Erling Haaland is wanted by Barcelona, with the Catalan outfit hoping to trigger his release clause

Manchester City star Erling Haaland, target of Barcelona, celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Leicester City at Etihad Stadium on April 15, 2023 in Manchester, England.
(Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Manchester City hitman Erling Haaland is wanted by Barcelona – and the five-time European champions won't even have to break the transfer record to sign him.

Barça are in financial trouble at the moment and have enjoyed a quiet transfer window in order to comply with Financial Fair Play laws. Previously, however, the Catalan giants have three times spent nine figures on players: Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Philippe Coutinho all moved for over £100 million.

Haaland would cost £150m, according to a report from Spanish outlet El Debate which claims a release clause comes into effect from next summer – and Barcelona are hoping to sign the Norwegian. 

Barcelona coach Xavi during his side's LaLiga game against Getafe in August 2023.

Barcelona want Erling Haaland at Camp Nou (Image credit: Getty Images)

According to 90min, a release clause means that Barça can plan to make the move for the star in 2025, giving them plenty of time to get their finances in order for the deal.

Current Blaugrana No.9 Robert Lewandowski will be 37 by then, while Brazilian starlet Vitor Roque will join Barcelona next summer. Joao Felix is on loan with the Catalans, too. 

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With Kylian Mbappe still in the crosshairs of Real Madrid, the move may well be embraced by Barcelona's biggest rivals, too. 

In recent years, the two El Clasico enemies have come together to fight for a Super League and with the pair recognising that their biggest threat comes from leagues with more money, they may be more than happy to recreate the Ronaldo/Messi rivalry between each other which made La Liga the most exciting league in Europe during 2010s. 

PSG star and Real Madrid target Kylian Mbappe punches the air as he celebrates scoring Paris Saint-Germain's third goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and RC Lens at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris on August 26, 2023.

Real Madrid want Kylian Mbappe, while Barcelona want Erling Haaland (Image credit: ALAIN JOCARD/AFP via Getty Images)

Haaland currently has 58 goals in 59 games for Manchester City and scored 86 in 89 for Borussia Dortmund before that.

The 23-year-old is valued at €180m by Transfermarkt. 

More Manchester City and Erling Haaland stories

Erling Haaland's agent has addressed 'strange' speculation linking the Norwegian with a move to Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that the striker has a release clause, which could see him leave City next summer.

Manchester City have learned their Champions League group stage opponents for the 2023/24 season, as they look to retain their European crown. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.