An important meeting took place this morning in Madrid between Barcelona representatives and Manchester City executives, with the aim of exploring a possibility that the Catalan club could have priority in a future transfer of Erling Haaland.
SPORT newspaper reports that the presidential candidate's sports director, Victor Font, was seen leaving the Four Seasons hotel, where Manchester City's training camp was located.
Along with him, Font staff members Carles Planchart and Xavier Aguilar also attended the meetings, who discussed with City's executive director Ferran Soriano and sporting director Hugo Viana.
According to the newspaper's sources, one of the objectives of these meetings was to secure a preferential purchase option for Haaland, in the event that the Norwegian striker and Manchester City part ways in the future. Haaland's name has long been in Barcelona's long-term plans and is considered a transfer priority for the club.
However, Haaland recently renewed his contract with City until 2034, making a short-term move unlikely. But a preferential option secured now would give Barca an advantage over other interested clubs, such as Real Madrid.
Víctor Font himself confirmed this morning the activity of Barcelona's sports directors.
"The sporting directorate is extremely active, working in the transfer market, travelling and meeting with clubs. We are very close to the opportunities we can offer Hansi Flick."
It is worth noting that Carles Planchart, part of Font's staff, has worked for almost two decades with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, City and Bayern, maintaining strong relationships with the coach and the English club.
The meetings took place discreetly inside the hotel, in a private room, to keep them away from outside eyes.
Font's aim is for Barcelona to position themselves early in this strategic operation, securing the preferential right to sign Haaland in the future, should City and the Norwegian striker ever decide to part ways. /Telegraph/
