Erling Haaland (26) could be the third most expensive transfer in history, only beaten by Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. According to The Sun, the Norwegian’s agents have already had meetings with Barcelona – and a transfer could be on the cards in 2027.
There is less that ties Erling Braut Haaland to Manchester City after Pep Guardiola decided to take a very long vacation this summer. Although new manager Enzo Maresca is also building the game around the Norwegian striker, and Cherki has taken over much of Rodri’s role as the ultimate ball distributor, the situation is not the same as before.
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Rumours that Haaland is considering leaving Manchester City have been circulating throughout the summer. Now, the assessment has reportedly turned into a decision in recent weeks.
It’s Barcelona lurking in the wings – a club that also carries with it a legacy from Pep Guardiola, a legacy that makes them one of the world’s very best clubs.
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The discontent at Manchester City
Haaland is in his fifth season in the Premier League for Manchester City, a league in which he has already won every official title since his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. But the striker is not happy with the latest moves in the club’s management at the Etihad Stadium.
In particular, Maresca’s arrival as a replacement for Guardiola is highlighted as the trigger for the dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Joan Laporta and Deco are working to bring in a top striker, after the possibility of Julián Álvarez was blocked by Atlético Madrid’s refusal to negotiate. Haaland’s profile fits into Barcelona’s budget, as the €175 million buyout clause will be activated in 2027 – a sum similar to what was originally proposed for the Argentine striker.
Rejects Real Madrid – prefers Flick’s project
Despite speculation about a possible move to Barcelona’s eternal rival, the City striker has ruled out a move to the Santiago Bernabéu. The player believes that the simultaneous presence of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande upsets the balance between the roles in Real Madrid’s dressing room.
The striker is instead prioritizing joining Hansi Flick’s project at Barcelona, where he believes he will be the absolute focal point of the attack. The player’s desire to compete in LaLiga EA Sports strengthens Barcelona’s position to speed up negotiations.
The player’s representatives and envoys from the Catalan club are due to hold another round of talks during the international break in March 2027. Barcelona’s management plans to set the payment structure for the €175 million buyout clause before formally presenting the proposal to Manchester City’s top management at the end of the current season.
City rejects clause – Haaland has contract until 2034
However, Manchester City have denied that there is any buyout clause in Haaland’s contract. The club has previously been clear that the striker is tied to the club until 2034, after he signed a new contract in January 2025.
City have also considered legal action against allegations that Haaland is on his way away from the club.
Highlights of Haaland’s career
Erling Braut Haaland has already managed to leave deep traces in football history. Here are some of the biggest highlights:
The records:
- Fastest to 100 Premier League goals: Haaland reached the milestone of just 111 games – fastest in league history.
- Most goals in a Premier League season: 36 goals in the 2022/23 season, set over 38 games.
- Five goals in one Champions League match: Against RB Leipzig in March 2023, he became the third player ever to score five goals in a Champions League match, after Lionel Messi and Luiz Adriano.
- Guinness World Records: Haaland has received four Guinness World Records certificates for his goal records.
- Norway’s highest scorer: With 55 goals in 49 international matches, he has beaten Jørgen Juve’s record from 1937.
Titles with Manchester City:
- The Treble (2022/23): The Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in his first season.
- Two Premier League titles: 2022/23 and 2023/24 .
- Two FA Cup titles .
- Three Premier League Golden Boots: 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2025/26 .
- Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup and League Cup .
Career path:
- Made his debut as a 15-year-old for Bryne, scored on his Molde debut the following year.
- 28 goals in 22 games in his only full season for Red Bull Salzburg.
- 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, including victory in the DFB-Pokal.
- 162 goals in his first 199 appearances for Manchester City.
World Cup 2026:
- Scored 16 goals in 8 qualifying matches and sent Norway to its first World Cup since 1998.
- Scored two goals in Norway’s first two World Cup games against Iraq and Senegal.
- Scored against Ivory Coast in the round of 16.
- Two goals against Brazil in the round of 16 sent Norway to the quarterfinals.
- Finished with 7 goals in the tournament – only beaten by Messi and Mbappé.
City’s uncertain future
In other words, Haaland’s future at Manchester City is far from clear. A lot depends on whether Barcelona actually trigger the alleged buyout clause – and if so, whether City choose to hold on to their star striker.
What is certain is that a move to Camp Nou will make Haaland the third most expensive player in history. Only Neymar and Kylian Mbappé have cost more.
The question is whether Barcelona can pay the price – and whether Haaland himself believes the time has come for a new chapter.
