'Both Haaland and Messi could join Barcelona'

FT Desk

23 Mar 2022 20:30 GMT
3 min read

Joan Laporta's adviser, Enric Masip, says that it is not impossible that both Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi could be Barcelona players next season.

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Barcelona have been battling with Real Madrid and Manchester City for the signature of Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland.

Haaland is set to leave Dortmund at the end of the season when a €75 million release clause is activated in his contract.

A fortnight ago, the Catalan press claimed that Haaland had agreed to join Barcelona after a successful meeting with manager Xavi in Munich.

However, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last week that Barcelona have ended negotiations to sign Haaland, instead turning their attention to Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, after the Dortmund player’s camp requested a contract lasting only two years.

What did Matip say about Haaland and Messi?

"His signing is difficult, but not impossible," Masip told Cadena COPE.

"There have to be many circumstances in place to be able to sign him. I refer to what Laporta said: the club is going to make signings, but for someone to come there must be departures."

© ProShots - Haaland is the most-wanted man in Europe

Masip also commented on the reports that Lionel Messi could return to Barcelona this summer.

The Argentine shocked the sport by leaving Barca last year to join PSG on a Bosman Transfer.

But he has endured a miserable first season at PSG and there have been widespread reports that he wants to return to Camp Nou.

"Messi's return? Nothing is impossible, but there have been no gestures as such from the club," Masip said.

"Despite the economic situation, the club is looking at formulas to continue signing. Barcelona must sign the best."

Barcelona have been reborn in 2022 and are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run, beating Real Madrid 4-0 in the Clasico on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.