Pundit believes Lionel Messi could stay if Barcelona signs Erling Haaland

The football world eagerly awaits the decision of Barcelona target Erling Haaland over a potential transfer this summer. Dortmund does not want to let the starlet leave this season and have slapped a 150 million euros price tag.

The German club is aware that in the current global scenario, shelling such a huge amount of money for even the wealthiest clubs is not feasible. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be the most interested parties. The Blaugrana are in a dire financial crisis and it will take a herculean effort from Joan Laporta and the club board to make Barcelona economically sustainable again.

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Haaland is still in the embryonic stages of his football career and has over a decade of football left in him. At the young age of 20, he’s attracting attention from the world’s best clubs and he has proven he is not a one-season wonder but a generational talent.

Pundit Owen Hargreaves believes that the Norwegian’s decision won’t be based on the monetary package. Hargreaves believes that the striker will rather make a decision based on what’s the next best step in his career.

"“Well he’s at a great club already, but the problem is with how well he’s playing, he deserves to be at an even bigger club. Whether it’s Barcelona, whether it’s Real Madrid, whether it’s City, whether it’s Chelsea, I think everyone is going to want him.The question is, can they afford him? For the teams that can, if you’re Barca you don’t want him to go to Real, so the teams will probably end up having to take out a loan. Because this guy is generational, you don’t want to lose him. If he goes to another team, you can guarantee with better service he’s going to score more goals.” (via Daily Star)"

Lionel Messi could stay if Barcelona signs Erling Haaland

There is uncertainty around Lionel Messi’s future. The Argentine maestro is yet to commit his future with Barcelona, with his deal expiring this summer. The 33-year-old was about to leave Barcelona last summer after sending a burfoax to the club, exercising his option to break the contract. The previous board lead by Josep Maria Bartomeu argued that such a clause had expired and since Messi didn’t want to take his beloved club to court, the Argentine stayed.

Joan Laporta is going to do everything in his power to convince Messi to stay. Hargreaves believes that if Barcelona manages to sign Haaland, Messi would stay.

"“I think for him now, he’s fortunate that he’s in a position where he’s going to pick the right spot. It’s not about money, it’s about working out the goal. He went to Molde because they had the best academy, Salzburg he wanted to take the next step, Dortmund.This isn’t going to be about money, it’s going to be about, ‘what’s the best step for me in my development. I think if he goes to Barcelona, Messi stays. That’s how important he is.” (via Daily Star)"

We are yet to enter the summer transfer window and Erling Haaland transfer talk is throwing twists and turns every day. We are going to have a long summer.