Erling Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, and agent Mino Raiola held discussions with Barcelona and Real Madrid on Thursday over a potential transfer for the Dortmund forward.
Alf-Inge Haaland and Raiola flew into Barcelona on Thursday for a meeting with Barca president Joan Laporta and the Spanish club’s incoming director of football Mateu Alemany.
According to reports, the meeting was a first step to explore the possibility of a deal, with talks in the early stages. The duo then flew to Madrid on Thursday afternoon and holding talks with Real Madrid.
ESPN claims that the meeting with Real Madrid was “friendly” and “like those we often hold regarding players.”
Raiola and Haaland wanted to know about Real Madrid’s intentions, while Florentino Perez wanted to hear details of the striker’s situation.
Some reports claim if Madrid decided to move for the Norwegian star, they felt they would have the edge over Barcelona because of their relationship with Dortmund and more stable financial situation.
Dortmund are reportedly aware of the meeting between Haaland’s representatives and it is expected more teams will seek to discuss a transfer.
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Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said on Thursday: “I don’t have anything against [Mino Raiola and Alf-Inge Haaland] taking in the sun on the Mediterranean. We’ve talked and our stance is quite clear. I am very, very relaxed in that matter because I know what we want.”
Haaland has scored 49 goals in 49 matches for Dortmund since joining the Bundesliga club. A release clause in his contract will come into effect in 2022, and ESPN claim that his club would accept €180m this summer.
Laporta believes Haaland would be a good signing that would strengthen Barca for a decade or more. But, there is an acceptance that Barcelona’s financial situation will make agreeing a deal difficult, as will competition from Madrid and Man City.
Barcelona are aware that a transfer to Madrid would be attractive to Haaland, while Man City’s economic firepower makes them big contenders.
His signing would also be viewed as a huge statement and a strong argument to convince Lionel Messi to renew his contract, which will expire in the summer.
