Few elites in the world of football have not played for Barcelona at some point. The Catalan giants have been home to several global icons over their rich history. This trend stays true for Barcelona today as well, even with all their financial limitations.
The likes of Robert Lewandowski, one of his generation’s greatest strikers, is still at the club. His contributions have regained their touch of serenity and he continues to lead the team as their ace striker. However, within Barcelona, there is belief that beyond next season, the club has to make a big effort.
Lewandowski is entrusted to lead the side next season, in the 2024/2025 campaign, and give them the goals they need. Beyond that season, however, Barcelona have set their eyes elsewhere. According to Mundo Deportivo, those eyes travel to England, where a certain Norwegian remains the dream of La Blaugrana.
For Joan Laporta, one of the club’s most ambitious figures, Real Madrid’s possible signing of Kylian Mbappe has to be met with equal force. While it will not come immediately, as Mbappe is expected to possibly join them in the upcoming season, Laporta’s plans for the transfer window of 2025 are much grander.
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian ace of Manchester City, remains Barça’s true goal for the 2025/2026 season. His goal-scoring numbers are already record-breaking, and he is the only name big enough to directly rival that of Mbappe’s at the moment.
For Laporta, his potential signing coinciding with the opening of the new Spotify Camp Nou could mark a new era at the club. A signing of Haaland’s quality and pedigree would usher the club onto a completely untraveled road.
Moreover, with various issues concerning City at the moment in terms of financial breaches, as well as Pep Guardiola’s potential departure by that point in time, Haaland’s arrival may become easier. Furthermore, even though Barcelona can not afford the operation right now, their financial condition is expected to be much healthier in 2025.
Even the relationship between Joan Laporta and Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, is one of great closeness and respect. That should allow, ideally, Barcelona to have more direct conversations about a potential operation.
Ultimately, the operation will not be easy, but with Laporta’s aspirations and a new Barcelona expected by fans, that dream is something they continue to work towards. Lewandowski will not be able to perform at the highest level forever, so passing the torch to a player of that elite quality would be no mistake.
