BARCELONA
Barcelona hoping to beat Real Madrid in race to sign Haaland
Barça want to build their team around Haaland like what they did in the past with Ronaldinho in 2003, Messi in 2008 and Neymar in 2013.
Barcelona are reportedly ready to offer Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland €100 million net over five seasons, according to Catalan outlet Sport.
Barça want to build their team around Haaland like what they did in the past with Ronaldinho in 2003, Messi in 2008 and Neymar in 2013. With all of Europe's top clubs having been linked with the Norwegian striker, this won't be so straightforward.
Real Madrid favourites to land Haaland
It is not only the huge salary involved that Barcelona have to consider, it is also the commission that his agent, Mino Raiola, and his father, will be demanding. As AS published on its back page on 16 January, Barça president Joan Laporta has the suspicion that Haaland is closer to joining Real Madrid. Los Blancos have the financial ability to pay the fees, but Barça would have to pay them in installments.
Barcelona will also aim to convince Haaland by making him the face of the club which will in turn strengthen his own personal brand. Barcelona are the biggest club in the world in that regard, in terms of followers and interactions.