‘Barca are back’ – Barcelona confirm Erling Haaland interest and warn they are ‘big players in transfer market’ again
JOAN LAPORTA reckons Barcelona are ready to go to battle with Europe’s biggest teams for the signature of Erling Haaland.
The Nou Camp president claims his club will be a transfer force to be reckoned with as his side looks to rival Chelsea and Liverpool for the striker’s services.
Football expert Fabrizio Romano Barca are drawing up plans to rebuild their side with the LaLiga giants hoping to re-establish themselves as a dominant force.
On their rumoured interest in the Borussia Dortmund ace, Laporta, 59, reportedly said: “We’re working to build a top team.
"Everything is possible if we do things well and I’m sure we will.
"Top players are open to joining Barca. We’re definitely recovering our status.
"Everybody in the world should get ready, as we are back as big players in the market.”
Laporta’s comments come amid reports of the Barca president allegedly meeting super-agent Mino Raiola who represents Haaland, 21, and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
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And both players are rumoured to be the focus of a potential Barca swoop this year despite the club’s much-reported financial issues.
The Nou Camp side, who were in debt to the tune of £1.15billion last August, have taken out a bank loan to help with their finances.
Haaland, who has been on fire in attack this term, is attracting from Real Madrid, Manchester City and Man United, as well as Barca, the Blues and Liverpool.
The player has a £64million release clause in his contract with Dortmund that will become active this summer - a bargain for a player of his quality.
Raiola revealed his client had purchased a house in Spain.
And reports claim the forward has told starstruck fans of his intent to one day play in the country.
Haaland's current contract with German giants, which commenced in January 2020, is set to expire in June 2024.
The forward, who began his senior career at top-flight Norwegian side Bryne, has smashed in 19 goals in 16 games across all competitions this term.
And Haaland has netted 76 times in 79 games for Dortmund since joining the club two years ago.
