Joan Laporta 'obsessed' about bringing Erling Haaland to Barcelona in 2026 as long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski

Veteran striker Lewandowski is now 37 years of age and is not expected to be offered an extension despite netting 42 goals for La Liga title winners Barca last season. A new option to lead the line is set to be sought.

It has been claimed that Atletico Madrid’s World Cup-winning Argentina international Julian Alvarez is under consideration in Catalunya. It is, however, Haaland that remains the dream addition for ambitious Laporta.

El Nacional reports that Haaland has been Laporta’s “obsession since he became president”. They go on to claim that there is confidence behind the scenes that Haaland will “end up at Barca”.

City superstar Haaland is tied to a contract in England through to 2034 and is reported to be earning £400,000-a-week. When said deal was signed, release clauses that existed in his previous terms at the Etihad Stadium were removed.

Barcelona’s much-publicised financial struggles would make it difficult for them to afford Haaland, with transfer fees and wage packets taken into account, but Laporta is refusing to give up on adding another fearsome No.9 to the ranks at Camp Nou - with Barca preparing for a return to their iconic home following an elaborate renovation project.