Barcelona president makes stance clear on double Man City raid including Haaland; namechecks potential target from Wolves
Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland training with Man City
Manchester City have been publicly told that Barcelona will not be meeting their asking price for Bernardo Silva, but the La Liga giants’ president is keeping an eye on Erling Haaland.
Barcelona have been linked with Silva for a while. The Portugal international will be out of contract in 2025 and is already looking towards his future beyond Man City. A new challenge could await him in La Liga, for example.
Silva has recently spoken about his desire to return to former club Benfica in his native country at some point. He is keen to do so before his abilities begin to fade too much, as well.
But Barcelona could give him something else to think about. A club of their stature would be hard to turn down.
That said, the chances of them reviving their interest in the 28-year-old have been played down by the club’s president, Joan Laporta.
Referring to the attacking midfielder’s transfer value, Laporta told Cadena Ser: “We won’t pay €80million (£70.8million) for Bernardo Silva. That is for sure.”
Another City star who Barcelona will obviously be aware of is star striker, Haaland. The Norway international only arrived at the Etihad Stadium in the summer, and his form since has consolidated his reputation as one of the best in the world.
Still only 22 years old, Haaland has plenty of time ahead to attract clubs like Barcelona, who will already have been showing an interest before he moved to City.
And Laporta is not necessarily ruling out a move for Haaland in future, even if everyone at the club is happy with Robert Lewandowski for now.
The president said: “We’ll see how he does at City. At the moment we have Lewandowski who is doing very well.”
Barcelona chief Laporta addresses Neves interest
Another Premier League club who might be wary of Barcelona in the transfer market would be Wolves.
Their midfielder Ruben Neves has been mentioned as a potential target in Catalonia before. He could become a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets.
Laporta cannot deny Neves’ ability, but is refusing to give too much away about their internal plans.
He answered: “Ruben Neves is a great player, but this is part of private conversations. Busquets will not be eternal and there are internal discussions to find a guaranteed successor for him.
“Frenkie de Jong can play in this position, but it won’t be down to just one player. Xavi will decide.”
Barcelona’s activity in the transfer market has been under some scrutiny in recent years due to concerns about their ability to spend on big-name targets.
But a club of their pedigree will always be linked with elite talents. Hence, the likes of City and Wolves must try to take steps to protect themselves from losing key players of their own.
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