In the offices of FC Barcelona, the roadmap for the next transfer window is already being drawn up. Deco, as sporting director, has started to rule out certain options. Although names like Julián Álvarez, Alexander Isak, or Dusan Vlahovic have appeared in the reports, none of them is the chosen one. The sporting management is very clear about its desire: Erling Braut Haaland.
The Norwegian striker from Manchester City is once again on the culé agenda, this time not as a simple desire, but as a real target. At the club, they understand that, in order to make a qualitative leap, it is necessary to make a major investment in the attack. Haaland, with his numbers and youth, represents exactly what Barça of the future needs, a new offensive leader to inherit the baton from the Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker has already entered the final stage of his career, his performance has dropped compared to the first season. The board considers that he is the ideal one. It will not be a simple or cheap operation, but now the context is different. The club has regained the 1:1 margin in Financial Fair Play and that changes the scenario completely.
Haaland is the desired one
The blaugrana entity no longer needs to free up four euros for every one invested. This new balance allows them to pursue major signings. Joan Laporta wants the next big signing to be worthy of the badge, and that means bringing in the best possible striker. Haaland's name generates total consensus. Deco considers him a priority, Hansi Flick also approves, and in the locker room his arrival would be seen as a statement of intent.
The price will be high. Initial estimates speak of a deal that could reach €180 million (180 millones de euros), including release clause, commissions, and salary. The outlay would be historic, but so would the media and sporting impact. At Barça, they believe that Haaland would not only solve the goal-scoring problems, but would also return the team to the competitive elite of Europe.
Raiola desired him
In addition, there is a factor that fuels optimism. The player's entourage still has a good relationship with Joan Laporta. Mino Raiola is no longer here, but the bond with his family and representatives is kept. Erling Haaland himself would not be opposed to a change of scenery if the project convinces him. Manchester City could facilitate his departure if the Norwegian requests it.
If Haaland were to sign for FC Barcelona, his salary would make him one of the biggest stars in the locker room both on and off the field. The Norwegian striker would receive a five-year contract with an estimated gross salary of around €30 million (30 millones de euros) per season. That would be equivalent to about €15 million (15 millones de euros) net annually.
The plan is underway, although it is being managed with maximum discretion. The priority is to keep calm so as not to unsettle the environment or further increase the cost of the operation. Meanwhile, Deco continues to work behind the scenes. Haaland is the great dream of Barcelona fans and also the great obsession of the sporting area. Neither Isak, nor Julián, nor Vlahovic, there is only one chosen one.
FC Barcelona wants to compete for everything again, and for that it needs to have a world-class offensive reference. The post-Lewandowski era is getting closer and closer. If everything goes as expected at Can Barça, Erling Braut Haaland will wear the blaugrana jersey in the summer of 2026. A file that is already burning in the club's offices.