A Hypothetical Analysis about Haaland at Barcelona

Recently, a rumour sparked that FC Barcelona is interested in signing Erling Haaland from Manchester City. Barcelona has been a good customer of Manchester City lately, signing Ferran Torres, İlkay Gündoğan and loaning João Cancelo. But it is no secret that the Catalan Giants are deep in debt. With flopped signings like Coutinho, Dembele and Griezmann, Barcelona fell economically.

Barça’s director, Deco, has been spotted talking to Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta. Journalist Gerard Romero had shared footage of the incident. He claims that Deco mentioned Haaland to be President Laporta’s dream signing. Romero has further shared that the signing is “not impossible”. The treble-winning Norweigan will be available for €175m in 2025.

Interestingly, the 23-year-old in an interview declared Messi to be the best that has ever played the game.

“He (Messi) is the best that has ever played, I think so”

Since it is clear that Haaland is a Messi fan, he might consider signing for the club. Barcelona will likely sell four players next season, including, Sergi Roberto, Marcos Alonso, Orieul Romeu and Raphina. Barcelona are forced to do this to comply with La Liga’s Financial Fair Play Rules.

Even though the stars seem to align, there’s one problem. Barcelona don’t need another striker. The Blaugrana already have two fine strikers - Robert Lewandowski and Vitor Roque. What Barcelona needs right now is a pure left winger. Ferran Torres is alone and Felix’s loan might end.

Even if Barcelona wanted to sign Haaland, they can’t. As much as I want it to happen, it doesn’t seem possible for at least the next 3-5 years. Barcelona is struggling to sign a manager after Xavi’s exit at the end of the season for €12m, how are they to afford €175m for a striker? If they are willing to spend such a hefty amount, they should sign a winger - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, instead.

Let’s assume Barcelona disregard their dire need for a pure left-winger and buys Haaland anyway, how will the Barça squad work with him? Haaland is a pure number 9 who depends on the wings and the midfield for opportunities. Barcelona has a world-class midfield for that fact, which mainly includes Pedri, Gavi, Frenkie De Jong and İlkay Gündoğan. Frenkie and Gündoğan are the orchestrators. They will supply the attack with perfect passes and facilitate goal-scoring opportunities. Pedri and Gavi are the deadly duo. They have amazing chemistry and can move the ball forward on their own. They have amazing skills and play well with the ball at their feet. They are players that will instantly bring an impact to the team. The orchestrators can supply the ball to Haaland, who can easily finish. Pedri and Gavi can set up a tap-in for Haaland.

Let’s look at the wings. On the right, we might have Raphina (unless he leaves) and Wunderkind Lamine Yamal. On the left, we might have Joao Felix (unless Barcelona ends the loan) and Ferran “Shark” Torres. Yamal is an amazing dribbler, he has the best dribble success rate (70.6%) in Europe's top five leagues this season (50+ attempted). He can dribble the ball and create opportunities for Haaland. Raphina is rather a scorer himself, and so is Ferran Torres. But Joao Felix, from the left, makes amazing runs and assists. He can set up Haaland for beautiful goals.

Now, realistically, say Barcelona can afford to sign him. But will he leave City for Barcelona? City is undoubtedly in their Prime right now, with players like Foden, De Bruyne and Rodri, why would Haaland leave the treble-winning team for a team that last won the UCL a decade ago? But if he is willing to sign for one of the greatest teams of all time (unlike City), Joan Laporta will welcome him with open arms full of cash and a Spotify premium subscription.