Erling Haaland is getting closer to ending his time at Manchester City. The Norwegian forward, who keeps scoring goals in the Premier League, has quietly started making moves with his entourage. His contract doesn't end until 2027, but there is a release clause in 2026 that could be activated if certain conditions are met.
In recent months, Haaland has made it clear that he wants to experience something new in the future. His destination, according to sources close to the player, is in Spain. LaLiga has always been in his plans, and his decision seems to be made.
Madrid loses ground in the race
For a long time, Real Madrid appeared as the natural candidate to sign Haaland. Florentino Pérez has closely followed his development since he played at Salzburg. However, the current situation in the white attack has changed the club's priorities.
With the arrival of Kylian Mbappé and the prominence of Vinícius Jr., the '9' position no longer seems so available. Haaland doesn't want to come to adapt to another scheme. He wants to lead, feel important from day one, and in Madrid, that is no longer guaranteed.
Haaland and his agent, Rafaela Pimienta, are carefully planning their next step. They are not just looking for money or fame; they are looking for a project where the Norwegian can continue growing as a global reference. In that sense, the player's entourage believes that the most natural path doesn't go through Bernabéu.
They want a club that bets on him long-term, where prominence is assured. A team under construction, with room to grow, and where he can leave an indelible mark. That profile doesn't fit with Madrid's current structure, which already has its established stars.
A young, ambitious, and rising project
Meanwhile, on the other side, there is a club that perfectly fits that profile. A club that is returning to the elite, with a new coach, a young squad, and a rising star like Lamine Yamal.
This team has followed Haaland's progress for years; in fact, they already tried to sign him in 2022, before he signed with City. Although it wasn't possible then, the interest never disappeared. Now, the conditions could align.
The sports management is already planning the future without Robert Lewandowski, whose contract ends in 2026. The club is looking for a new '9' to lead Flick's project from that moment. All roads lead to the same name.
Haaland has already chosen
According to internal sources, Haaland has ruled out Real Madrid and has chosen FC Barcelona as his priority destination in 2026. He sees in the blaugrana team the perfect opportunity to make an era. He would be the offensive leader of a generation destined to return the club to the European summit.
The club, meanwhile, is already working on balancing accounts and preparing the ground. The operation won't be easy: a significant sale and several salary adjustments will be necessary. But Laporta is determined; he believes Haaland can be the signing that changes the club's recent history.
In the player's entourage, there is confidence. They know the moment is approaching. If everything goes as planned, Camp Nou could see Haaland in blaugrana in 2026.