Haaland camp gives Barcelona transfer promise
Barcelona are still celebrating landing Manchester City's Ferran Torres with Joan Laporta claiming 'We're back!' at the Spaniard's unveiling.
During the unveiling of Torres to over 13,000 fans, the Blaugrana president was in a bullish mood, confidently telling those in attendance that his club was back amongst the big boys in the transfer market.
While the reality for Barca might still be some way off, speculation linking one of Europe's hottest prospects seems to be gaining traction.
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When asked about Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland joining up with Torres at Camp Nou, Laporta's response was typically forthright.
"Everything's possible," he proclaimed.
Why are Barca confident?
Europe's elite are chasing Haaland, and he has a €75 million release clause which can be triggered in the summer.
Barcelona are still lagging way behind the Premier League in terms of financial might, but now the player's agent has reportedly given the Catalan giants a transfer promise.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Mino Raiola has spoken to Laporta and pledged Haaland will join Barcelona next summer - if they can produce the financials wanted by player, club and agent.
Haaland is keen to be the main man in a winning project and could indeed have that role in the new Xavi revolution that aims to see Barca back at the top of European football.
Reports linking the 21-year-old Norwegian with Real Madrid seem to be dying down, with Haaland reportedly not wanting to share the limelight with Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester City, however, remain the favourites to sign the Dortmund striker who has scored 76 goals in 75 appearances.
Can Haaland to Barca actually happen?
The problem facing Barcelona is raising the funds required to complete the transfer of Haaland.
In addition to the aforementioned transfer fee, you have a reported salary of around €30m-a-year, plus a signing fee and Mino Raiola's commission.
These are numbers Barca simply cannot afford right now.
But the club are actively trying to get high earners off the wage structure, with the highest earner Philippe Coutinho hoping to move on in January.
The likes of Samuel Umtiti, Yusuf Demir, Neto, Sergino Dest, Martin Braithwaite and Luuk de Jong will be moved on to free up further salary funds.
Ousmane Dembele is still to agree on a new deal, and it appears he is vital in terms of Torres getting registered to play in Barca's next game as his renewal would include an initial wage reduction with remuneration to come further down the line.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that Haaland could be a Barcelona player next season, and if it somehow happens, then they might really be back.
