Barcelona president Joan Laporta has played down reports that the reigning Spanish champions want to sign Manchester City top scorer Erling Haaland but said he expects Joao Cancelo to make his loan move permanent from the Premier League club.
Reports in February claimed that Haaland’s representatives had met Barca officials in Spain to discuss a move for last season’s leading marksman in the English top flight.
“You are confusing the media player with the one who fits well into the team,” Laporta told Mundo Deportivo.
“Prioritising the team, there will be one or two team additions. Players of the calibre of Lamine [Yamal], [Robert] Lewandowski, Joao Felix, Ferran [Torres] and Raphinha, who are very strong and always contribute to the team.
“I do not see it necessary to make an investment that could distort what we are building, which is a balanced team.”
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Laporta voiced his belief in 19-year-old Brazil newcomer Vitor Roque supporting Lewandowski, saying the forward is “in a process of adaptation” but “has the gift of scoring”.
Numerous accounts have said Haaland has a release clause in his contract that will be activated this summer, with The Sun citing reports in Spain as naming a figure of £171.6 million.
The Norway talisman joined City for £51m in 2022 and swiftly established himself as the most prolific striker in Europe, scoring a remarkable 52 times in all competitions in 2022/23.
The 23-year-old is not on course to match that total this season but remains top of the Premier League scoring charts with 18 goals and is targeting successive league, FA Cup and Uefa Champions League triumphs.
Cancelo transfer: City ‘will not object’
Barcelona’s interest in Cancelo and fellow loanee Joao Felix appears far clearer, having borrowed the both until the end of 2023/24.
“I hope that Atletico Madrid don’t have any objection to Joao Felix continuing with us,” said Laporta, according to Football Espana.
“I don’t think [City] will either [over Cancelo]. [Agent] Jorge Mendes is working on the issue, and he knows our intention.”
