Barcelona dream target signs a long-term contract with Manchester City until 2034

Erling Haaland has been a target for FC Barcelona for a long time now. The Catalans were very much in the picture for his signing back in 2022 before he moved to Manchester City an have maintained an interest even after.

In fact, as has been reported in recent months, the Norwegian striker was one of club president Joan Laporta’s dream targets to replace Robert Lewandowski as the main centre-forward at Barcelona in the coming seasons.

There were plans to make a move for the 24-year-old either this summer or in 2026, thanks to a release clause in his contract at Manchester City.

Haaland signs new decade-long deal

However, Barcelona’s hopes of signing Haaland anytime soon have been handed a major blow as the Norwegian hitman has committed his long-term future to Manchester City.

Indeed, as reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Haaland has signed a new 9.5-year contract with Manchester City that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2034.

As per the terms of the new agreement, all release clauses from the previous contract have been removed while the 24-year-old has been handed a contract which is being touted as ‘one of the most lucrative deals in sporting history.’

By the time this contract expires, Haaland will be 34 years old and entering the final phase of his career.

Despite reports of a potential move to Spain, the centre-forward is said to be extremely happy at Manchester City and the lengthy contract signed is proof of the same.

Fabrizio Romano, however, mentions that there is a release clause in Haaland’s new contract but it will be active only from 2029 and at a very high number.

This essentially rules out any chance of Barcelona making a move for Haaland in the near future, with the Catalans now likely to shift their focus to alternatives like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.