Barcelona presidential candidate plays Erling Haaland card ahead of election, holds transfer talks with Manchester City

Robert Lewandowski's contract at Barcelona expires on June 30, and if Victor Font wins the election, it reportedly won't be renewed.

Published on: Mar 12, 2026, 17:17:06 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Ahead of the upcoming Barcelona presidential election, two members from Victor Font's staff, Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar, met Manchester City CEO Ferran Sorriano and sporting director Hugo Viana in Madrid. The meeting was about the potential transfer of Erling Haaland and took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid.

Victor Font's team held talks with Manchester City over a potential Erling Haaland transfer. (AFP)

The race for the presidency is between Font and Joan Laporta. Font's move could be decisive, shifting a huge number of votes in his favour. According to reports, Font's team asked for preferential treatment in a potential transfer if Haaland decides to leave, and both parties reached an agreement.

Also Read: Lionel Messi urged to 'tell the truth' on blocked Barcelona return ahead of presidential election: ‘Misled by Laporta’

Robert Lewandowski's contract at the Catalan club expires on June 30, and if Font wins the election, it reportedly won't be renewed. But if Laporta goes for a second-straight stint, then it will be extended for one more year.

Earlier this week, Laporta said, "He's a very talented player and a prolific goalscorer."

"As a token of my appreciation, I'd offer him another year on his contract.

"He came at a very difficult time, and despite his track record at Bayern [Munich], he pushed hard to come to Barca. He gave up a lot. We'll see what he wants to do, but I'd like him to stay another year if he wants to," he added.

There have already been reports from England that Haaland, whose contract runs until June 30, 2034, is looking to leave early.

Meanwhile, a member of Laporta's entourage has revealed that they are prepared to sign players such as Haaland and Julian Alvarez.

Speaking to Cadena SER, Joan Soler said, "Yes, we could sign players like Julian Alvarez or Erling Haaland. These transfers will pay for themselves within five years, and Barcelona's finances are ready for it."

"At the end of the day, Barca must be very careful about the commitments it makes regarding its wage structure. We have set ourselves a limit, and we will not exceed it. We must sign players at market prices while keeping an eye on our wage structure," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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