Transfer Talk: Barcelona’s bold plan to sign Erling Haaland

The winter transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Laporta’s bold plan for Haaland

Barcelona are prepared to do “everything” to sign Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, according to Spanish outlet Sport.

The proposed move is being spearheaded by Joao Laporta, who wants to make a “media signing” before the end of his term as Barça club president.

The move could happen in 2025 or 2026, with the expected exit of City manager Pep Guardiola playing a key role in Haaland’s desire to change clubs. While current Barça forward Robert Lewandowski has made a superb start to the 2024-25 LaLiga season, scoring 12 goals in 11 games, the club are looking for a forward to eventually replace the 36-year-old.

Haaland, 24, has been sensational since joining Man City back in 2022, scoring a remarkable 73 goals in 73 games in the Premier League. His current deal with the club runs until 2027, meaning Barça won’t be able to sign him on the cheap — which could be a big problem given their well-documented financial woes.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Real Madrid are preparing to take the first steps towards signing Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, Ekrem Konur reports. The Liverpool right-back has been strongly linked with a move to the LaLiga giants, with rumours swelling in recent weeks due to Dani Carvajal’s season-ending injury. With the 25-year-old’s current Liverpool contract expiring next summer, he’ll be free to negotiate with other clubs over a free transfer from January onwards.

– Manchester United are “monitoring the situation” of Leon Goretzka at Bayern Munich, according to Florian Plettenberg. The 29-year-old’s preference is to remain in Munich, as he still has a contract with the club until 2026. However, a lack of first-team opportunities under new Bayern boss Vincent Kompany, who has started Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joshua Kimmich ahead of Goretzka in the last few matches, could force the Germany international out of the club.

– Florian Plettenberg also suggests that Ademola Lookman could leave Atalanta this winter for as little as €25 million amid strong interest from several Premier League clubs. The Nigeria international is contracted at Atalanta until 2026, although the forward is said to be keen on a “new challenge.”

– Aurélien Tchouaméni is “not even considering” a move to the Premier League despite strong recent links to Liverpool, Fabrizio Romano has revealed. The Frenchman, who captained his nation on Monday night against Belgium, is thought to be fully focused on Real Madrid, only thinking about his future in the famous white shirt.

– Jordan Henderson is open to the idea of re-joining Sunderland from Ajax Amsterdam, says Football Insider. The veteran midfielder has struggled to settle at a club since leaving Liverpool in 2023 for Al Ettifaq, where he remained for only six months. However, a romantic return to Sunderland could be a perfect deal for both the player and the club. Indeed, the Black Cats are pushing hard for promotion to the Premier League and believe that the former England international could make a decisive impact in the Championship this season.