What Could Happen if Barcelona or Real Madrid Pursue Erling Haaland? Former Man City Star Weighs In

Dietmar Hamann recently shared his thoughts with GOAL about the possibility of Erling Haaland leaving Manchester City if top Spanish clubs like Barcelona or Real Madrid come calling. Although no offers have arrived yet, and Haaland is under contract until 2034, there might come a time when he considers a fresh start away from the Etihad Stadium.

Haaland’s Impact at Manchester City

Following in his father Alf Inge's footsteps, Haaland joined City in summer 2022. At that point, he was one of the most sought-after players globally, with Pep Guardiola winning the race to sign him. The £51 million ($69 million) transfer fee now looks like a bargain, considering the era of nine-figure deals and his explosive debut season.

Haaland smashed records by netting 52 goals across all competitions while helping City secure a historic Treble: the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. He has reached 100 top-flight goals at an incredible pace and locked down long-term personal terms. Yet, there's no certainty he will see out this contract.

Could Spain Lure Haaland Away in 2027?

Rumors linking Haaland to Spain continue, especially as he will turn 27 next summer after completing his fifth season in Manchester. Would he be tempted by a new challenge at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu?

"Well, he’s won it all, hasn’t he? He won the Champions League, he won the Premier League, and I’m not sure how long he’s got, he’s signed a very long contract, didn’t he?" "Obviously it’s not down to him whether he will leave or can leave, but I think it’s just natural when you’ve won it all, when you’ve been at the club for a certain time. He’s even born in England, isn’t he, because his father played in the Premier League." "I think there might be a time where he says, when Barcelona or Madrid come calling, yeah, I think there’s always a chance, but if City says no, with the contract he’s got, then it might be tricky because he won’t be cheap either."

Leadership Changes at Manchester City

Right now, Haaland’s focus remains on helping Manchester City chase more trophies under new manager Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola. As key veterans like Bernardo Silva, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ilkay Gundogan have left, the team needs fresh leaders.

"When very powerful and big characters in the dressing room leave, it’s always a chance for others to step up," Hamann said. "They’ve got Ruben Dias still there, who’s the leader in the team. In Gianluigi Donnarumma, they’ve got a keeper who’s seen it all but is still young and has been around a long time."

Hamann also praised young talents like Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi, though he acknowledged Bouaddi might take some time to adjust to the Premier League. He emphasized the importance of the midfield engine room, saying it’s where games are won and lost.

"As a keeper you don’t have much influence, and Haaland probably has to take on a different role, because in the last few years there were players there where he probably didn’t have full responsibility. What’s happened in the dressing room, that’ll change now."

New Addition: Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City boosted their squad further by signing Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez on deadline day. The midfielder joined from Chelsea for £125 million ($169 million), making him one of British football’s most expensive transfers. Fernandez is a combative player who wore the captain’s armband at Chelsea and will add drive in midfield.

City currently sit atop the Premier League table after starting the 2026-27 season with two wins. They return to action this Saturday against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City.

• Erling Haaland transfer fee: £51 million ($69 million)
• Contract length: Until 2034
• Haaland’s debut season goals: 52
• Recent Manchester City signings: Enzo Fernandez - £125 million ($169 million)
• Current Premier League standing: Manchester City top after two wins