Koeman not a fan of Haaland to Barcelona links

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 3 min read

Ronald Koeman has reiterated he is reluctant to discuss the prospect of Barcelona signing Erling Haaland.

The Barca head coach insists openly talking about such a move would be disrespectful to Borussia Dortmund.

READ MORE: Haaland posts clear message to Dortmund fans after storming off pitch

Despite their financial woes, there has been a renewed flurry of speculation over possible Barca signings since Joan Laporta returned as president.

But Koeman prefers to focus on matters on the pitch, with a tricky clash away to Real Sociedad in La Liga up next on Sunday.

After a trophy-less season previously looked likely, Barcelona are now fighting for league and Copa del Rey glory.

“Haaland? This is not a time to talk about a player who is not ours out of respect for his club,” Koeman said at his pre-match press conference.

“There is talk of signings but I don’t like it.

“I need to focus on [Sunday’s] game and the players we have.

“We will talk in the next few weeks on where we can improve but I will not respond to players who are not ours.”

‘Haaland and Mbappe at a great level’

Barca defender Jordi Alba, meanwhile, was also asked about the club being connected with the likes of Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.

READ MORE: Neymar and Messi will be reunited… at Barca!

He feels the attacking duo are already at the top and are no longer the stars of the future.

“They are young players who are coming on strong and are at a great level,” he said to Sport.

“They are great players, they are the present already… but I don’t decide [who Barca sign].”

Alba added: “The team has grown a lot.

“We’re in the final of the Copa after a great comeback and in La Liga we’re there.

“We were a lot of points off the top and by playing well and winning games we’ve got a lot closer, but now come the demanding games, like on Sunday at Anoeta.

“We have to keep moving forward to fight for such an even league.

“The double? Obviously we’re not giving up on anything.”

While Haaland has been linked with Barcelona, it is their fierce rivals Real Madrid are reportedly among the frontrunners to sign him.

Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd are also regularly connected with the Dortmund sensation.