According to recent rumors, Barcelona took a huge step forward in the race to sign Erling Haaland. The latest reports claim head coach Xavi Hernandez held a meeting with the Dortmund sensation in Germany in a bid to secure his services, which would be a huge breakthrough, but is there any truth to these speculations?
The Blaugrana's desperation to sign the Norwegian talent is understandable. The Catalan giants are in need of a talisman forward, with the 21-year-old being the hottest young goalscorer in world football at the moment.
However, the race to sign the former RB Salzburg talent is not easy as several other top European clubs are vying for his signature, including bitter Spanish rivals Real Madrid and Premier League giants Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
As a result, claims that Xavi held a sit-down with the striker in Munich were welcomed by the Camp Nou supporters. However, how accurate were those speculations? This question was put forward to the Barcelona coach ahead of their weekend clash with Elche, prompting a coy response.
The Spanish tactician understandably refused to go into great detail as he neither denied nor confirmed the rumors. Instead, he stressed that the club are working to strengthen for the present and future before switching the topic to Pablo Torre, the teenager attacker recently signed from Racing Santander.
"I can't give details," Xavi said, as per Goal. "I can only say that we are working for both the present and the future of the club.
"When we can announce something, like the signing of Pablo Torre, we'll do that. I can't say anything else, only that we're working for the present and the future."
One thing is certain, however: Barcelona will do everything within their power to bring Haaland to Catalonia. According to a report by Marca, the Spanish giants are even contemplating reconsidering their stance on La Liga's controversial CVC deal, having turned down that offer a few months ago.
However, Joan Laporta and Co. must be wary of Los Blancos as the defending Spanish champions are said to be keen on signing both Haaland and Mbappe this summer. Keep an eye on this heated transfer race!
