By Tom Gott
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reported to be trying to sign Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez as part of his campaign to be re-elected.
Laporta won the 2021 elections with a promise to renew the contract of Lionel Messi, who ultimately departed Barcelona that summer after the club's financial issues made an extension for the Argentine icon impossible.
According to SPORT, Laporta still dreams of making a major transfer splash as part of his presidency and both Haaland and Alvarez have been identified as potential targets.
Barcelona's next presidential election will be held in 2026 and Laporta, who plans to run again, is already holding talks about the sort of transfer promises he could make in his campaign.
Haaland was among those considered earlier in Laporta's presidency ahead of his move to City in 2022, but the Norway international remains on the radar as reports of an imminent exit from the Etihad continue to swirl.
Haaland, whose City contract runs until 2027, is believed to be interested in a move to Spain, where Real Madrid are also long-term admirers, but Barcelona are ready to try and rival their Clasico foes for his signature in 2025.
However, with the finances involved in such a deal likely to border on astronomical, Barcelona are also looking at a cheaper alternative and see Alvarez as a real candidate.
Alvarez has been linked with a move away from City this summer amid concerns over his role as Haaland's understudy, but Barcelona cannot afford to enter the race for his signature and instead see the Argentina international as a potential recruit for the election year of 2026.
Laporta hopes to use the next two years to rebuild Barcelona's financial strength to a point that landing the striker in 2026 is not seen as a challenge and believes that being able to sign Alvarez would boost his case to remain president at Camp Nou.
City boss Pep Guardiola has always insisted he is happy to sell any player if they ask to leave the club, but only if a fair bid is made.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Barcelona president 'eyeing Erling Haaland & Julian Alvarez' as part of election campaign.
