Haaland is Barca dream signing, cash-strapped Catalans prepare for post-Lewy era

Erling Haaland has emerged as a transfer target for Barcelona in the summer of 2025, according to reports, in what would be a sensational deal should it materialise.

The Norwegian has fired his way to the top of most elite clubs' transfer shortlists after a dominant first season with Manchester City was followed by another golden boot race-leading second term.

He battered and bludgeoned his way to multiple records in the Premier League in 2022-23, and as such has emerged as arguably the best No 9 in the world.

With that territory, though, comes eye-watering money, and reports last April stated that he was earning some £865,000-a-week at the Etihad.

With Barcelona still plagued by financial woes that have caused them registration problems in LaLiga in recent years, it is perhaps a shock that they might be lining up a move for one of the highest-paid players in the game, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Barca are currently led by Robert Lewandowski, the Polish legend continuing to fire in the goals as he approaches his 36th birthday at the end of the season.

Yet the striker's contract runs up at the end of 2024-25, meaning that the Blaugrana will need to reinforce at No 9, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that Haaland is the club's dream replacement.

However, should he play half of Barca's games next season, it will reportedly trigger a one-year extension in his deal at the club, taking him past his 37th birthday.

The report claims that the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Pep Guardiola's future could play into Barca's hands; the Santpedor coach is contracted until 2025, and is thought to be set to depart at that point.

The club are reportedly keen to tie Haaland down to a longer deal - his current contract running up in 2027 - with