Manchester City Centre-Forward Is Open To A Move To Barcelona: Big Blow For Maresca?

In a recent report , journalist Pete O'Rourke claimed that Manchester City centre-forward Erling Haaland is open to a move to Barcelona next year. It is understood that the Norway international prefers to join the Catalan club over Arsenal if the Mancunian giants are relegated from the Premier League in the future.

Haaland's Impressive Record In The Premier League This Season

Haaland has enjoyed a productive start to this Premier League campaign as he has put in a series of impressive displays for them on the offensive end of the field. The Norwegian talent has netted seven times in seven matches for Man City this season across multiple competitions.

The 26-year-old is currently one of the most reliable goal-scorers in the Premier League . Hence, it is no surprise that he is looking to seal a move to Barcelona if Man City get relegated from the English top tier.

His current deal at the Etihad Stadium will expire in 2034. However, the Mancunian outfit was found guilty of breaching the Premier League's Financial Fair Play regulations, which could force them to part ways with Haaland next year.

PORTO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 4: Erling Haaland of Norway during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Portugal and Norway at Estadio do Dragao on October 4, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Haaland Is Open To Joining Barcelona: Big Blow For Manchester City?

Haaland can find a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has the vision to engineer some inviting chances for his teammates to score and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.

The Norway international has proven himself to be a ruthless finisher in front of the opponent's goal. Haaland can even use his strong 1.95m frame to win a few 50-50 aerial duels for his team. He knows what it takes to win at the highest level and has become an irreplaceable member of Man City's squad.

Still, the Mancunian club could be forced to sell him in 2027 if they fail to win their appeal. It is only fair to Haaland if Man City allow him to leave and go to a club of his choice this January or next summer.

At 26, Haaland has his best years ahead of him. However, his preference to join Barcelona would be a big blow for Enzo Maresca. The Man City head coach will now have a tall order to motivate his side to focus on the remainder of his campaign, without the distractions of what's going on with the club off the field.