Barcelona identify Manchester City star as ‘main obsession’ as CEO travels to Norway for contract talks | OneFootball

Manchester City find their superstar striker Erling Haaland at the centre of a transfer obsession from the part of FC Barcelona, according to new reports.

Despite the 24-year-old being content with life and performances at the Etihad Stadium, his position in world football means he is continuously linked with moves away from Manchester City in the coming seasons.

Those rumours were not helped upon the Norwegian signing for Manchester City back in 2022, after an interview with the player’s father, Alf-Inge revealed a desire from his camp to see Haaland challenge himself at multiple clubs across the top of the European game.

Having already won everything available to win at Manchester City in the space of just two-and-a-half seasons, some are wondering whether the pursuit of a new challenge may come earlier than expected.

For now though, the priority from within Manchester City and likely from the player’s side remains to sign a new agreement at the Etihad Stadium, and see his performances reflected through improved contractual terms.

But that will not stop the rumour mill from turning around the Norway international.

Speaking on Sport’s La Possession show, journalist David Bernabeu revealed that Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is the ‘main obsession of Barcelona president Joan Laporta, with the Etihad Stadium club’s hierarchy working intensely to renew their contract with the player.

“The main obsession of the president, I’ve always told you, is Erling Haaland. If it’s an obsession, it doesn’t mean he can bring him. But it’s an obsession. So, it’s the piece that marks all the movements,” Bernabeu revealed.

“I don’t think Barça will do anything until they see where this piece is going. I’m telling you; City is moving,” he continued. “A few weeks ago, coinciding with the last election window, Ferran Soriano was in Norway. Ferran Soriano is the CEO of Manchester City.

“He was in Norway negotiating with Haaland and his environment the renewal for two more seasons. I think Haaland ends his contract in 2027. I’m speaking now from memory. They want to put him in for two more years and without a release clause.

“Now he has a clause that we don’t know exactly how much it is. But he has a clause.”

It remains to be seen just how much progress will be made on the subject of Erling Haaland’s contract renewal at Manchester City before the conclusion of the ongoing season, or whether a final agreement and announcement will be reached before then.

Fronting talks from the Manchester City side of things will likely be Txiki Begiristain, as he remains his stance of business as usual right up until the point of leaving the organisation next summer, when he will be replaced by Sporting’s Hugo Viana.