Laporta does not change plans with his dream signing to inaugurate the new Camp Nou

FC Barcelona maintains its roadmap intact with the possible signing of Erling Haaland in 2026. Beyond the Norwegian striker's imminent renewal with Manchester City, Joan Laporta hopes to close an agreement with the '9' before the remodelling of the Spotify Camp Nou is completed.

Although the team plans to return to the Estadi in March 2025, it is very likely that the project will only be fully completed in the summer of 2026. It is then that the president wants to consummate a 'bombshell' that increases the excitement in a renovated culé temple and, in addition, is capable of leading the new Catalan sports project from 2026/27.

And the fact is that Laporta's dream with Haaland is not, by any means, new. The president wanted him in 2022, but the club could not amortize his contract, beyond the affordableness of his starting price. Both parties had their first contact in the charity friendly that Barça and City played in September of that year at Camp Nou, where the 'Cyborg' was able to feel the affection of the Barça fans.

Haaland's release clause will not be impossible for Barça

The latest information points to new contacts between the Barça board and the 'killer's' representative, Rafaela Pimienta, in parallel with the negotiations between the Brazilian agent and the Manchester team to close the new contract for the 24-year-old footballer. Erling signed for four seasons in 2022 and the club hopes to renew him until 2029.

However, Haaland wants to reserve the possibility of negotiating his exit before that date, which would keep his release clause low. In England they talk about an exit price close to 200 million euros, a reasonable amount considering his market value and the emoluments he will receive after his renewal (around 32 million net per year).

In that sense, Barça would not see it impossible to sign the Norwegian in the summer of 2026, since that summer the institution will have already completely cleaned up its 'Fair Play' problems and will have enough money in the box and salary margin to amortize what will surely be the most expensive signing in Barça history. Before that date, it is practically impossible to go for the Leeds player.

Guardiola's continuity, a key factor for Haaland's future

Likewise, Haaland's future in Manchester has taken a turn after Pep Guardiola's renewal. The Catalan coach signed until 2026, with the option of one more season, which gives the striker the necessary peace of mind to continue breaking records in the Premier League.

At the moment, the '9' has 105 goals in 114 official matches with the club and, while the man from Santpedor remains on the Manchester bench, it will be much more difficult to convince him to change teams. Beyond this factor, Laporta will bide his time, confident that he can sign Erling while he is still in his prime and with the necessary maturity to lead the Barça of the future.