Haaland to Barca? Xavi responds to transfer rumours
Martin Macdonald
- 5 Mar 2022 13:51 GMT
- 3 min read
Xavi has responded to questions with regards to a potential meeting with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian is one of the hottest properties in world football and appears likely to leave the German giants this summer.
In 75 starts in all competitions for Dortmund since his move from RB Salzburg, he has scored a sensational 80 goals.
He has struggled with injuries in the current campaign, but has still struck 23 times in 18 starts.
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Barcelona are one of a number of elite European sides looking to sign Haaland, with his suitors also including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
At the moment, it would appear Barca are trying to get a leg-up on the competition after rumours circulated that head coach Xavi met with Haaland in Munich.
When asked about the meeting, Xavi didn't even deny it, but further details weren't given by the Spaniard.
"I haven't seen a player yet who doesn't want to sign for Barca. Everyone is excited to come to Barca," he told reporters.
"Then it depends on clauses and more, but no one is turning down Barca.
“I can't give you details… we work on the present and future of the club.
When things can be announced we will announce it - as we did with Pablo Torre, who is an excellent signing."
Barça manager Xavi didn't deny his trip to Munich to meet with Erling Haaland - then he added: "I haven't seen a player yet who doesn't want to sign for Barça. Everyone is excited to come to Barça". 🔴 #FCB
"Then it depends on clauses and more, but no one is turning down Barça".— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 5, 2022
Who will rival Barcelona for Haaland?
Even though Barcelona have met with Haaland, reports from Spain this week indicated that it is actually Real Madrid who are leading the race for his signature.
Journalist Josep Pedrerol stated on El Chiringuito: “Real Madrid know that Erling Haaland wants to play for them and believes that their only rival to sign him is Manchester City, not FC Barcelona. Real Madrid will go after him.”
While it is a logical time to strike for Haaland this summer given his low fee, Real Madrid have also set their eyes upon Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, who is available on a Bosman deal.
Although the Bernabeu side’s finances are in a better state than Barcelona’s, there is doubt over whether they can finance a deal for both players, particularly as it will be complicated getting the duo within the wage budgets outlined by La Liga. Mbappe and Haaland will both command astronomical salaries.
