Barcelona drop Haaland bomb that changes everything

Barcelona sporting director Deco has claimed that the Camp Nou side aren’t interested in signing Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, contrary to transfer rumours linking the Blaugrana with the prolific striker.

With the 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski still carrying the attack of the Catalan side, there is a belief that the club need to be looking to a younger player in the very near future.

Haaland, meanwhile, has refused to commit his long-term future to Man City, with the uncertainty over Pep Guardiola’s actions thought to be putting doubt in the mind of the Norway international star.

Deco has denied he is a player that Barcelona are actively sounding out and says that the Blaugrana are more than happy with what Lewandowski is producing for them.

“We first have to know if Haaland is what we want for the future. We don’t know yet. Right now, we don’t want a No.9,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

“We have Robert. We don’t plan anything with a No.9. When the time comes to make a decision, and I have to do it because I’m the one who runs the club, we’ll look at the different options. But I don’t think it’s the time to talk about a player.”

Gyokeres an alternative?

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is another who is gaining widespread attention, and naturally Barca have been following the Sweden hitman’s progress.

“He’s a good player, he’s been scoring goals for a long time in Portugal, we know him as well as others, but he’s not our priority at the moment and we’re not looking for a nine to replace Robert,” Deco said, reaffirming his support for Lewandowski.

The former Bayern Munich striker has been in excellent form for Barcelona this season, scoring 19 goals in 17 matches and weighing in with a couple of assists.

Lewandowski, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €28.3 million, is under contract with Barca until 2026 with the option of a further year.