Pep Guardiola shares verdict on Man City star's future amid Barcelona links

Pep Guardiola shares verdict on Man City star's future amid Barcelona links originally appeared on The Sporting News

Erling Haaland has been in sublime goalscoring form this season despite Manchester City's rocky start to the 2025/26 campaign. 

The Norwegian scored twice in City's 2-2 draw against AS Monaco in their midweek Champions League fixture which has taken his tally to 11 goals this season in eight games. 

Haaland has been a sensational signing for City, and he recently signed a long-term contract which will keep him at Etihad until 2034. 

However, reports in Spain suggest that Barcelona are interested in the 25-year-old forward as he holds a lot of importance in President Joan Laporta's re-election aspirations at Camp Nou. 

Addressing such rumours, Guardiola laughed off at the prospect of Haaland moving to Barcelona despite his pledging his future at City. 

"I think Erling isn't stupid enough to sign something he doesn't want to accomplish, that is for sure," Guardiola told reporters. 

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

"But it's football, who knows what is going to happen. Honestly, I don't know what is going to happen. I know he has a long contract here, and I think he's doing really well and scoring a lot of goals."

Why are Barcelona showing interest in Haaland?

Haaland established himself at Borussia Dortmund and moved to City in May 2022 after the Premier League outfit triggered his release clause of €60m ($70.4m). 

Since then, he has shattered multiple records at City and netted 135 goals in 154 appearances whilst guiding them to two Premier League titles, a Champions League crown along with a FA Cup and Super Cup title. 

Getty Images

He has also won the Premier League Golden Boot twice, asserting his dominance while leading the lines for the Citizens. 

His exquisite goalscoring form has made him a top target for several clubs including Barcelona as they desperately need a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is out of contract next summer. 

Hence, Haaland is at the top of Laporta's shortlist as the Norwegian would be ideal in elevating Barcelona's roster quality and would also be a massive help in increasing his chances of winning the election. 

Moreover, Guardiola understands the interest in Haaland, but the Spaniard strongly refuted the idea of him moving away from City in the near future. 

"Can you tell me one club that wouldn't dream of Erling Haaland? I understand Barcelona dream of Erling, and all the clubs in the world," Guardiola added. "If Erling would not be with us, it would be a dream for Man City to have Erling. I had the feeling the team helps him a lot and gives him."

Haaland will look to increase his goals tally as Manchester City hit the road in their away trip to London as they face Brentford in the Premier League this Sunday. 

Manchester City news and related links

• Real Madrid's Rodri plan unveiled as Manchester City face huge decision
• Pep Guardiola wants to bring World Cup winning right-back to Manchester City
• Pep Guardiola provides fresh injury update ahead of Brentford vs. Man City