Transfer market – Paul Scholes predicts Haaland for Barça despite Real
In the studio of the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, the microphone picks up the confident voice of Paul Scholes announcing that the Norwegian scorer Erling Haaland, 26, will sign sooner or later with FC Barcelona, a statement that will not go unnoticed in Spain.
Scholes' prediction and reactions
It is a statement that should not go unnoticed in Spain. In the podcast The Good, The Bad & The Football, Paul Scholes was asked about the possible next destination for Erling Haaland if Manchester City were to be relegated following its disciplinary case. Paul Scholes sees Haaland joining Barça; the former English international did not hesitate long. « Barcelona. Even though he has the profile of a Real Madrid player. I can perfectly picture him in the Real Madrid shirt, but he will go to Barça », he said.
A rather surprising statement, while the two Spanish giants are regularly linked to the Norwegian's name. Scholes therefore appears convinced that the Camp Nou could be the next step in the striker's career, despite a physical and athletic profile that he deems perfectly suited to Real Madrid. However, it is a personal prediction. The former Manchester United player did not mention any negotiation or concrete contact between Barça and the player's entourage.
Manchester City's disciplinary situation
The disciplinary situation of Manchester City fuels questions. The English club is targeted by a procedure concerning alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. A possible relegation is among the scenarios mentioned in discussions about the case.
Such a upheaval could obviously prompt some stars to consider their future. Haaland would then be one of the most coveted players on the market. But beware: no relegation has been confirmed and Manchester City disputes the conclusions of the procedure.
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The Norwegian, however, remains committed to the Citizens. In January 2025, he extended his contract until June 2034. An exceptionally long deal that puts Manchester City in a position of strength in any potential discussion.
Financial stakes and transfer prospects
A massive transfer for Barça or Real Madrid, financially the operation looks particularly complex. Haaland's market value is estimated at €220 million by Transfermarkt. This is not a sale price set by Manchester City, but it gives an idea of the scale of investment needed to attract the Norwegian. FC Barcelona would therefore need to find a particularly ambitious financial solution to contemplate such a deal.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, is regularly mentioned in discussions about the player, even though its attacking sector already includes top‑level stars. For now, neither club has formalised a concrete approach. And nothing confirms that Haaland wants to leave Manchester City. Scholes, however, has reignited the saga with a stated certainty: according to him, the Norwegian will end up at Barça.
A prediction that will generate talk, but it does not yet constitute transfer news. Erling Haaland has officially informed Manchester City of his intention to leave the club during the January 2027 transfer window.