Former Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has backed Erling Haaland to make a blockbuster switch to Camp Nou if the striker decides to leave Manchester City.
Mendieta’s comments come amid widespread speculation surrounding the futures of Manchester City’s star players following a high-profile independent commission verdict regarding the club’s Premier League financial charges.
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While Mendieta acknowledged that both Spanish giants (Real Madrid and Barcelona) could afford a player of Haaland’s caliber, he believes Barca’s style of play is a better match.
In a chat with Casinolyze, he noted that Haaland’s explosive runs and physical dominance inside the box would suit Hansi Flick’s tactical system.
“Erling Haaland’s future is interesting. Let’s see how things pan out at Man City and whether it turns out to be successful. Players like Haaland want to win trophies. I agree that if he moves, which could happen, the price tag will be massive, certainly not below a hundred million. That is just the way it is.
“In terms of where I see him, I could imagine him at both Madrid and Barça. However, I sense that Barça’s style would be better for him, and perhaps better for the club too. The way he makes those runs and his power in the box suits the Hansi Flick style quite well.
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“We are talking about something quite far down the line, but if things don’t work out at City this season or over the next couple of seasons, he is still very young and very ambitious. He won’t want to stay at a club where they aren’t winning trophies.”
Mendieta emphasized that elite players like Haaland are driven by a desire to win trophies, warning that the Norwegian striker will not want to stay at a club facing a turbulent or unsuccessful period.
Any potential race for Haaland’s signature would command a astronomical fee, with Mendieta estimating a price tag well north of 100 million.
