When you set your mind on an idea, dreams can sometimes drift away from reality. Joan Laporta dreams of restoring Barcelona to the very top of world football can often be like that, however there is no fault in trying.
The financial turmoil the club finds itself in threatens to crush that ambition unless there is a massive turnaround. The wages and transfer fee needed to secure Laporta’s desired signing are enormous, and it may ultimately require the player himself to take the first step to make the move possible.
That player being Erling Haaland with reports in Spain claiming that Barcelona will target the free-scoring Norwegian to come to La Liga and become the focal point in an exciting attack of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermin Lopez or Dani Olmo and Pedri. Enough to get the mouth watering at the prospect, right?!
Haaland has 111 goals to his name from 126 appearances and is considered one of the best centre forwards in the world right now, increasing his price tag since he took the Premier League by storm, and will likely replicate that form should he come to the league in Spain.
One legend out, another on the way In?
The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for Barcelona. With Robert Lewandowski expected to leave at the end of his contract, the club is preparing for a major transition up front. Reduced playing time and no contract offer has led the Polish striker to consider his future elsewhere, which would not only open up a key spot in the squad but also free significant wages for reinvestment.
Lewandowski has yet to start this season, largely due to a preseason injury that sidelined him for several weeks. In his absence, Ferran Torres has stepped up impressively, delivering a string of standout performances, finding the net consistently, and proving last season’s form was no one-off. His hunger and versatility have added a new dimension to Barça’s attack.
While Ferran Torres has shown he can be a reliable No. 9 for a club of Barcelona’s stature, a move for Erling Haaland would elevate the frontline to another level. Haaland’s clinical finishing and physical presence could transform Barcelona’s chance conversion rate, bringing them closer to the ruthless efficiency required to dominate both domestically and in Europe.
Haaland’s recent contract extension puts the power firmly in Manchester City’s hands, and they’re unlikely to let him go for anything less than a premium fee. Even if the striker pushes for a move, the price is expected to soar well beyond the €100 million mark.
But, who knows in this crazy modern life, anything can happen. A shift in the financial fortunes will go a long way in achieving that dream for Laporta.