Journalist Xavi Torres claims that Barça have ruled out signing Erling Haaland – the Norwegian striker and Kylian Mbappé were two of the big transfer targets this summer. Torres told TV3 that Barça are “up to their necks” in financial problems and will only be able to mount one major operation this summer, and that the club has already decided that it will be to renew Leo Messi’s contract. Haaland therefore, will not play at Camp Nou next season – even though his club Borussia Dortmund have stated that the player will not be moving anywhere in the immediate future.
El @FCBarcelona descarta fitxar Erling Haaland aquest estiu perquè, ofegat pels números, només pot assumir una gran operació i ha decidit prioritzar la renovació de Messi. Més info al TNV de @tv3cat
— Xavi Torres (@xavitorresll) May 18, 2021
President Joan Laporta is in the process of negotiating a new contract for Leo Messi, who curiously, was in Madrid on Monday, having lunch with his friend and former team mate Luis Suárez. Following initial talks with the player’s father and agent Jorge Messi, both parties have cause for optimism. Barcelona’s decision to prioritise Messi’s contract has been viewed as a positive sign that conversations with the Argentinean’s close circle have been progressing well.
That said, Messi is keen to be part of a major sporting project and has known for several weeks what Barça plan to offer him. Haaland won’t be part of that project. But he will have one close friend in the Barça side for 2021-22 – Kun Agüero is set to join on a free transfer as soon as Messi renews.
