Haaland ‘open’ to Barcelona—as long as nobody asks when

Barcelona reportedly made an exploratory approach to Erling Haaland’s representatives during the summer. The story has already been dressed up as another opening for a spectacular future transfer, although it currently contains no offer, no negotiations and no agreement.

DECO REPORTEDLY ASKED THE QUESTION

Sofiane, a creator associated with the French outlet Actualité Barça, claims sporting director Deco sounded out Haaland’s situation. Barcelona representatives allegedly contacted the striker’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, to gather information about his expectations and the potential cost of a future deal.

The report describes due diligence rather than an active transfer operation. Neither Barcelona nor Manchester City has announced talks, while the player’s representatives have not publicly confirmed this latest alleged approach. No leading independent outlet has corroborated the detailed claims so far.

MAYBE IN TWO YEARS, MAYBE NEVER

Haaland is said to be happy at Manchester City and unwilling to leave at present. His camp, however, reportedly left open the possibility of discussing Barcelona at some undefined point in the future—perhaps in two or three years, or perhaps never.

That qualification does quite a lot of work. Barcelona could sign him if he eventually wants to leave, City accepts a proposal, the finances become viable and every party reaches an agreement. By the same standard, almost any elite player can be presented as a future target. All that is required is a calendar with no fixed date.

PIMENTA HAD ALREADY COOLED THE STORY

In March 2026, Pimenta publicly denied that contact had taken place regarding a potential move to Barcelona. She said Haaland was very happy at City and that there was nothing to discuss while his situation in Manchester remained so positive.

The new report concerns an alleged approach later in the summer, meaning her earlier denial does not automatically disprove it. It does, however, provide essential context: public evidence of an actual transfer process remains absent.

CITY HOLD THE STRONGEST CARDS

Haaland signed a new Manchester City contract in January 2025 running until 2034. City therefore face no contractual pressure to sell one of the world’s leading strikers, and any genuine operation would require far more than an information-gathering call.

There is nothing unusual about Deco monitoring an exceptional player. The comedy begins when routine scouting work is promoted into a grand transfer storyline. For now, Barcelona reportedly asked a question, Haaland remains happy at City and the proposed timetable stretches conveniently from “one day” to “not at all.”