Barcelona chief confirms Erling Haaland transfer interest as Man City make stance clear

Barcelona chief Deco believes would be the ideal replacement for as the Spanish club eye a swoop for the star.

The Norwegian has been in sensational form at the Etihad Stadium since being . He has scored 105 goals in 114 appearances in all competitions.

And that has apparently piqued the interest of . Catalan president for Haaland as he attempts to end his term in 2026 on a high.

It was also reported that the striker himself had decided on an exit from the blue half of Manchester, with boss own contract expiring this summer. A release clause of £175m is written into his deal - a figure that decreases each year - but City are keen to tie him down to a new contract.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

And now, Barcelona director Deco has admitted that Haaland would be capable of stepping into the shoes of Lewandowski. Speaking to , the Portuguese chief said: “I think it’s very difficult to find a striker like Robert today. There are one or two of this level. Maybe Haaland or someone else. There are not so many of this level available.

“But we’re not going to be obsessed with looking for any strikers now because we’re going to focus first on what Robert can do. I surely think he’s happy to be here. He’s a winner and if we have an important season I think he’ll want to continue.”

Lewandowksi has been in brilliant form himself since arriving at Barcelona. The Polish striker signed for the Spanish club on a free transfer from in 2023.

He has 78 goals over the past two-and-a-half seasons. Lewandowski has less than a year remaining on his contract but that is expected to be extended by a season.

Will Erling Haaland stay at Man City?

And despite admitting that Haaland could be an ideal successor for the hitman, Deco claims they are currently not focusing on replacing the ex-Borussia Dortmund star. He added: “It’s not a priority because we have to focus on this season.

“Of course we have to do the work of the future, but if we are working more on the future, we forget about the present. We have to think about what we have to do now and not what we have to do in the future because what happens this season can condition the future. It is not enough for us to be alone thinking about the future.

“The work of the future is being done, it is being fulfilled. What I hope is that Lewandowski continues at the same level that he is showing. For me he is one of the best professionals I have seen in my life. It is not by chance that he is where he is and that he has scored all the goals he has scored or that he is at 36 years of age at his level.

“They are players who only reach where they are being high-level professionals and above the others. We are happy because he is connecting well with the team, he is scoring goals.”

and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our