press discovered that Erling Haaland’s representative, Rafaela Pimienta, met privately with Barca Deco’s Sports Director on February 28.
The meeting also had the presence of former Barca defender Maxwell – who is considered Pimienta’s right-hand man. Jijantes information channel recorded Pimienta and Maxwell arriving at Sushi 99 restaurant in Barcelona at 2:40 p.m. on February 28. About two hours later, Deco left this restaurant. Four minutes later, it was Pimienta and Maxwell’s turn to walk out.
Haaland scored five goals in Man City’s 6-2 win over Luton in the fifth round of the FA Cup on February 27. Photo: Reuters
There is no information about the conversation between the two parties, which took place in one of the restaurant’s private rooms. However, the Spanish press confirmed that Barca is interested in the future of Haaland, a player who has been very successful since moving to Man City in the summer of 2022 for 62 million USD. The Camp Nou home team must promote blockbuster transfers after rival Real almost certainly owns the top talent of contemporary football, Kylian Mbappe.
In addition to Haaland, Pimienta also represents other famous players such as Matthijs de Ligt, Marco Verratti or Paul Pogba. However, it is unlikely that Barca will keep an eye on these people.
Barca tried to recruit Haaland when he was still playing for Dortmund. The representative of Norwegian striker Mino Raiola at that time flew to Barcelona to meet privately with President Joan Laporta. Xavi even went to Munich to talk with Haaland. But in the end, the striker born in 2000 chose to go to Etihad Stadium.
Earlier this month, there was information that Haaland was unhappy at Man City and wanted to move to Spain to play, with Real being the potential destination. In response, Pep Guardiola appeared quite calm .
Haaland is earning a salary of 475,000 USD per week excluding bonuses at Man City and his contract lasts until 2027. According to the Spanish press, Haaland’s contract has a break clause worth 217 million USD that Real and Barca both have. ready to activate, if receiving the nod from the 23-year-old player. The value of this clause will gradually decrease with each transfer period after 2024 until expiration.