Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Colin Millar

Barcelona's decision to choose between Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland speaks volumes

Barcelona are set to make a financial decision which they believe will help fund the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

It was a move that they previously rejected – a decision that ensured that they could not register a new contract for Lionel Messi last summer, allowing him to complete his high-profile summer transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.

They are now poised to accept an agreement with investment company CVC authorised by the Spanish league, despite previously describing such an offer as a "poisoned choice" with an opportunity to re-sign Messi.

The Blaugrana are starting to emerge out of their well-documented financial problems in the short-term and are increasingly desperate for investment to bolster their squad strength.

Initial reports in December stated the club were close to agreeing to the deal, which follows up on a 10-year agreement with Goldman Sachs that will inject £470million into the club’s coffers.

Have Your Say! Who will Haaland be playing for next season? Tell us what you think here.

Analysis from Marca claims that accepting the CVC deal, via La Liga, will give Barca £250million in spending power, which would control 8.2 percent of the club’s capital for the next 50 years.

Furthermore, the club are said to be hopeful of raising a cool £291million from selling 49 percent of Barca Studios – allowing the club to retain a controlling stake but which means that the long-term profits in this field will be significantly reduced in the long run.

The Catalan club initially rejected the CVC investment opportunity as it would have been a long-term economic contract with La Liga, which would have been at odds with their ambitions to join a future European Super League.

That was a decision that meant the club essentially sacrificed Messi, who without the investment from CVC they could not retain on their books.

However, seven months on the club’s stance has changed and it has been motivated by their interest in strengthening their squad this summer

Haaland is said to be top of their targets list, after Barcelona held a meeting in December with the player's agent Mino Raiola while Dortmund recently confirmed that Real Madrid are among those who are interested in signing the Norwegian.

The Norwegian fuelled speculation of a transfer to La Liga in January as he confirmed that he would like to play in Spain during his career.

Barca president Joan Laporta's reported confidence in signing the striker has sparked off what has been described as a 'war' between the club and El Clasico rivals Madrid.

Last week, Barca boss Xavi Hernandez headed a club delegation flying out to Germany to hold a meeting with the striker – as they attempt to trump rival clubs to Haaland’s signature.

There is little question over the 21-year-old's world-class status, as he has netted 80 goals in just 79 appearances for Dortmund since his switch from Red Bull Salzburg two years ago – including 23 times in 20 outings this campaign.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are the other clubs who have been linked with the Norwegian.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.