Barcelona’s admiration for Erling Haaland keeps on growing with each passing day. Borussia Dortmund are too stubborn when it comes to letting go of their prized asset this summer. Slapping a humungous price tag, Dortmund are doing everything possible in their power to retain Haaland for next season. If Barcelona fails to adhere to Dortmund’s demands or Haaland does choose any other destination, the Catalans will have to look at other alternatives.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are said to be also battling for Haaland with Barcelona. Liverpool and PSG remain attentive to the situation but neither of the teams may choose to pay over 150 million euros for the Norwegian.
Barcelona do need a lethal number 9 after they let Luis Suarez last summer in a bid to clear the wage bill. While the free transfer of either Memphis Depay or Sergio Aguero is mooted, Joan Laporta wants to bring a megastar. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have a list of forwards to target if they miss out on Haaland.
Barcelona have shortlisted five strikers as alternatives to Erling Haaland:
1. Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan)
A man reborn in Italy, Romelu Lukaku is absolutely tearing the Serie A apart with his outrageous goalscoring tally across two seasons. In 35 games for the Nerazzurri this term, the Belgian has found the back of the net 26 times and assisted another seven.
The burly forward convinces Ronald Koeman of his abilities. The Belgian has frightening power and size, to hold up play and slow down the opposition around him, allowing others to freely operate. Lionel Messi could be one of the biggest beneficiaries if Lukaku does arrive at Barcelona, the towering striker will attract defenders like a bowl of fruit attracts pesky flies.
There is no question regarding Lukaku’s goalscoring ability. The forward has scored 20 goals in 27 appearances for Inter in Serie A, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Lukaku has an xG of 19, the most by any Serie A player this term.
Sliding the ball to Lukaku is almost a guarantee that the play will progress towards the opposition goal. He has strong drive and often surges forward with the ball, clearing whatever is in his path. The former Manchester United man is also smart and adept in picking the right man going forward, registering 304 progressive passes in Serie A, the most by any player this season. (stats via FBref)
At 27, Lukaku is in his absolute prime and seems to be hitting new milestones every season. He is dangerous, prolific and moulds well as per the team’s requirements. The Inter Milan forward has a market value of 90 million euros and the Nerazzurri wont easily part ways with their prized asset.
2. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
The other part of Inter Milan’s dangerous strike duo, Lautaro Martinez, is admired in Barcelona. The Argentine was a top transfer target for Barcelona in previous transfer windows but the fragile financial situation restricted the club from making any advances. The former Racing Club striker was also keen to join the Blaugrana but with no offer arriving, the 23-year-old was happy to continue his rise in Italy.
Martinez has 15 league goals this term, he and Lukaku combined have scored over 50% of Inter Milan’s goals this season in the Serie A. Martinez’s current deal in Milan runs till 2023 and he was supposed to put pen on paper but he hasn’t yet signed a new deal, giving a ray of hope to Barca.
The 5’ 8’’ striker shares the national team dressing room with Lionel Messi and the two have a good friendship. Perhaps that could become one deciding factor if the Catalans eventually go for Martinez.
Lautaro is vastly different from Lukaku and that is why they together making a frightening striker duo. Martinez is someone who is ruthlessly instinctive and has surprising strength and aerial dominance despite the small stature. He relies a lot on his shooting skills and is agile enough to produce shots from areas and pockets of spaces that any other striker would struggle to. Martinez has 32 shots on target in Serie A, only behind Ronaldo and Lukaku.
The Argentine often drops deep to get into the mix and presses the opponent to catch them off guard and retain possession. Martinez records 4 pressures per 90 minutes (the number of times his side gained possession within five seconds of him pressing an opponent). (stats via FBref)
El Toro is just 23 and continues to refine himself each season. Martinez also brings the typical South American charisma on the table which Barcelona have been accustomed to when the trident of Neymar, Luis Suarez and Messi obliterated the opposition defence.
3. Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane is another alternative to Erling Haaland. The Englishman is mulling over his future and considers the possibility of leaving London in order to win silverware and hold a trophy with his virgin hands.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is a stubborn negotiator and doesn’t want any direct Premier League rival to have their hands on Spurs’ prized asset, ruling out the likes of Manchester City. This leaves Barcelona and Real Madrid as possible suitors but Levy’s outrageous price tag makes it almost impossible for any club to sign Kane this summer.
The only possible way a move for the 27-year-old will happen if he forces his way and hands in a transfer request. Kane is a proven goalscorer and is on top of his game for years now. The Spurs striker is ruthless in front of the goal, leading the Premier League golden boot race with 19 goals.
He’s dangerous from dead-ball situations and is also a fine passer of the ball. This year, he has honed the skill of making killer, decisive passes which are converted by his teammates. Kane also leads the assist table with 13 assists in the English Top Flight.
He’s arguably in the best patch of his career and may wish to go to a club where the probability of winning trophies is higher. However, the asking price set by Tottenham makes it difficult for Barcelona or any other club to mobilize the Kane operation.
4. Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad)
Alexander Isak is the fourth alternative to Erling Haaland. The Swedish International arrived at Real Sociedad from Borussia Dortmund in 2019 and has settled well in La Liga. When Barcelona were hunting for an attacker post Ousmane Dembele’s injury last season, the name of Isak was considered before the Catalans eventually signed Martin Braithwaite.
In 25 appearances, Isak has scored 12 goals for Los Txuri-Urdin and has assisted another two. His record in European competitions is underwhelming, with zero goals in eight Europa League appearances.
Isak is popularly known as the ‘New Ibrahimovic’ but has more to his game than just being a target man. The 21-year-old is the most effective when he runs behind the defensive line and dribbles the ball with speed. The Swede is also an effective outlet to hold up the play, drawing attention towards him and in turn freeing up space for others.
His desire to drive with the ball in open spaces leaves the defender with a decision to make, whether to press and make a challenge or to absorb the pressure. Isak plays direct football and it suits the likes of La Real.
However, at Barcelona, the possession-based game requires a striker to be a great passer and also pose the attacking threat in the box at the same time. Isak is young and can adapt if put through rigorous training. The former Dortmund striker has a market value of 30 million euros but his contract at Aneota has a release clause of 70 million euros.
5. Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
The last alternative to Erling Haaland is Paulo Dybala. The Argentine’s contract at Juventus is coming to an end in the summer of 2022 and no agreement has been reached yet. There is a vast difference between Dybala’s demands and Juventus’ offer which has forced the contract talks to come to a standstill.
The Old Lady may cash in on the 27-year-old this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year. Barcelona have always appreciated Dybala, though more as a playmaker than a striker.
This doesn’t align with the concept of finding a striker as what Barcelona need is a No.9 rather than a skilful playmaker capable of playing as a second striker. Dybala is also left-footed and occupies similar spaces to Messi which can be problematic.
The Blaugrana do not have abundant treasury chests that they can indulge in multiple mega signings. Erling Haaland remains a prime target but in case the Catalans fail to secure the Norwegian package, they must have a plan B ready.
Which Erling Haaland alternative would you choose?