Wednesday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo has ‘Plan Haaland’ plastered across the front page, and once again details Barcelona’s stance over signing Borussia Dortmund’s ‘killer’.
The Catalan club want to bring in a star in the next market, with president Joan laporta looking for a quick and big boost both on and off the pitch. A striker is the chosen aim, and it’s explained Barcelona have been short in that regard since they allowed Luis Suarez to join Atletico Madrid during the last summer window.
Haaland is the ‘big target’ and Laporta has the BVB player firmly in his sights, yet there are problems ahead. Primarily there’s the issue of a transfer fee, with the Norwegian’s clause only being applicable next summer.
Then there’s the not inconsiderable issue of Mino Raiola, who will push up the commission and wages needed to complete any deal.
Real Madrid are seen as big competition, however, Barcelona and Laporta have a plan.
They want to make Haaland and his entourage realise that moving to the Camp Nou will be better in the medium term because first he can plan alongside Lionel Messi, and then become the star of the show when the Argentine steps aside.
This may mean lower wages than he’d get elsewhere initially, but in the long term the financial side will look after itself.
Another aspect Barcelona are betting on is Real Madrid preferring Kylian Mbappe, and given Haaland wants a club that really desires him, that could work in favour of the Blaugrana.
