The race for Haaland's signature begins in Barcelona

The race to sign football’s most wanted new superstar has begun in an unexpected location, with Erling Braut Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, and father, Alf-Inge Håland, meeting with Barcelona today.

First reported by Spanish newspaper Sport, and now confirmed by footage of the pair entering Barca’s offices today, the first big move to secure the most wanted footballer's signature in years has been made, with Haaland’s representatives meeting Barcelona’s newly-elected president, Joan Laporta.

20-year-old Haaland’s contract at Borussia Dortmund is set to end in the summer of 2022 when a relatively cheap €75 million release clause will come into effect, but with no limitations on transfer fee this summer, and Dortmund set to miss out on Champions League football, it appears the move may come early.

Repeatedly linked with record-breaking spenders Manchester City, who his father once played for, the Etihad seemed the most likely destination for the Norweigian superstar, but his career path hasn’t always gone as expected.

Haaland reportedly turned down an offer from Real Madrid when he left Molde in 2019, favouring his development at Salzburg, and did the same again when signing for Dortmund in January 2020.

The plan was for that development to continue under former coach Marco Rose at BVB next season, but with the club four points from the top four, Haaland seems unlikely to want to miss a campaign in the Champions League, a competition he has quickly made his own with 20 goals in 14 games.

Barcelona remain an unlikely destination considering their recent struggles and financial issues, but today's news seems to confirm that Haaland's next move will likely come a year early.

The meeting between Mino Raiola, Erling Haaland’s father and Joan Laporta has been positive. It was the first contact to discuss about the new Barcelona project - obviously there’s nothing done or advanced, race will be long as many clubs are involved... Barça are in. 🔴🔵 #FCB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 1, 2021