Joan Laporta doesn't give up on his great dream, the president of FC Barcelona wants to return the club to the elite of European soccer. He knows that to compete with the greats, he needs a game-changer. That game-changer has a name: Erling Braut Haaland, although the operation seems impossible, Laporta believes that with the right move, everything can change.
The renewal of the agreement with Nike is presented as the penultimate lever, the club is negotiating with the American multinational a much more lucrative contract. The goal is for the new Barça jersey to generate record revenues again. The idea is for Nike to make a long-term commitment and advance a significant sum of money, this amount would allow Barça to have a key margin in the market.
In addition to the agreement with Nike, Laporta hopes that the revenues from the new Camp Nou will boost the budget. With the return to the stadium planned for November, Barça will be able to exploit VIP boxes, new commercial areas, and premium experiences, all of this added to an improvement in ticket revenues. The president's economic plan contemplates an increase of more than 150 million in annual turnover.
Laporta Goes for Haaland
Laporta is aware that Robert Lewandowski may have some decline due to his age, he is 36 years old, although he has had a great season. The Polish forward has surprised everyone, scoring 40 goals in 48 matches, figures not seen at Barça since the times of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez. That's why Haaland becomes the great obsession, the Norwegian is young, media-savvy, decisive, and with a very strong personal brand, he would be the perfect successor to the Pole.
The problem lies in his contract with Manchester City, Haalandrecently renewed until 2034 and his release clause doesn't activate until the summer of 2029. Additionally, the cost of his signing would be around 175 million euros. An amount that today is unaffordable, but that could be within reach with the injection from Nike and the club's new economic plan.
Nike Helps Barça to Sign the Norwegian
From the player's environment, however, nothing is ruled out. Haaland values playing in LaLiga someday and Barcelona has always been among his preferences. Mino Raiola himself, before passing away, placed Barça as a real option, Joan Laporta keeps contact with his agent Rafaela Pimenta's environment and hopes to have options.
The president knows he must act cautiously, first receiving the funds from the new contract with Nike and then activating the penultimate financial lever. Only then can he go for his desired signing. Everything will also depend on the sale of assets, possible significant departures, and compliance with Financial Fair Play.
In Barça's offices, they talk about nothing else, although the club is also working on other more realistic options, Haaland's name continues to set the agenda. Laporta wants to dream big. If he manages to activate this penultimate lever, Camp Nou dream could become a reality.