'Barcelona could have signed Erling Haaland', says Laporta's rival

James Shearman

• Updated: 15 Jun 2023 20:19 BST
• 3 min read

Former Barcelona presidential candidate Victor Font, who lost to Joan Laporta, believes that Barcelona could have signed Erling Haaland.

Haaland left Borussia Dortmund for Manchester City last summer but Font thinks he could have brought the Norwegian to Camp Nou if he was in charge.

"Haaland, with homework done, Barca could have signed,'' Font said, via ESPN journalist Jordi Blanco Duch.

READ: The Brazilian wonderkid wanted by Arsenal and Barcelona

Instead, Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich, who scored 23 league goals, helping La Blaugrana to the La Liga title.

The 34-year-old has turned out to be an excellent signing but undoubtedly the 22-year-old Haaland would have been better.

Regardless of age, Haaland is simply a better player, scoring 36 goals in his debut Premier League campaign for City.

Guardiola to Barcelona?

Font went on to say that Barcelona's future could involve Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

"Guardiola? I'm sure he will return if we are able to create the right conditions," he added.

"He has 2 years left on his contract... And hopefully from there he will return to Barca."

Guardiola left Barca in 2012, before coaching Bayern Munich and now City.

The treble-winning boss is expected to see out the remainder of his contract at the Etihad Stadium before deciding on his future.

A return to the club where he is a legend, as a player and a manager, would surely be music to Barca fans' ears.