The new Zlatan? Haaland is the wrong fit at Barcelona
As much as Barcelona president Joan Laporta might say it with some misplaced optimism, Erling Haaland rocking up at the Camp Nou next summer seems like a far-fetched dream, unlikely to become a reality.
Pressed on the chances of one of football's hottest prospects wearing the famous Blaugrana colours, Laporta said with typical assurance: "Everything is possible."
But, even if you overlooked the fact that the club are in the financial mire and reportedly over €1.3 billion in debt, would Haaland suit the Barca style? Would he fit the Xavi model?
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There is little doubt that, given Haaland's finishing prowess, his raw pace and power, he would score over 30 goals anywhere he goes in any league in the world.
He's just that good.
Similarities to Zlatan
But let's look back at a certain Mr Zlatan Ibrahimovic (you might have heard the name) arriving at the same club when he too was at the peak of world football.
Blessed with similar athletic stature and finishing talents, a little less pace than Haaland but better with the ball at his feet, Zlatan signed for Pep Guardiola's Barca in 2009 in what looked like the perfect match of club and player looking to rule over European football.
Guardiola's new style of tiki-taka had just conquered all before it, leaving fans drooling at the keep-the-ball pressing never before seen on a football pitch.
But despite a goal return of 22 in 46 appearances for the club, Zlatan lasted just 12 months in Spain, unable to impress the manager enough to give him a second season.
That is not to say it would be a similar outcome should the unthinkable happen and Haaland join Barcelona in the summer.
There are some subtle differences in Haaland and the legendary Swede's circumstances.
Zlatan was 28 years old when he arrived in Catalunya, and it is often cited that age played a part in Guardiola's decision.
Haaland will be 22 in July 2022, meaning he has time on his side.
Xavi a Guardiola apprentice
But Xavi is a student of the Guardiola school of football and, although he will undoubtedly implement his own version on tiki-taka - 12 years on - tiki-taka it will be nonetheless.
And that means a slow, controlled, possession-led approach, looking to break down opponents as they tire chasing the ball.
Haaland is more the intense, explosive brand of the game, outmuscling and outrunning defenders as he bursts through their backline. That is why it has worked so well in Dortmund.
With Xavi's Barcelona, teams will sit deep, make the pitch narrow, suffocating space, and that won't suit the all-action style of Erling Haaland.
Whatever happens with the Norwegian international in the coming months and years, he must pick a side that suits his game, not a side his game might suit.
After all, we don't want another Zlatan at Barcelona circa 2009.
