Mendieta tips Haaland for Barcelona move amid Manchester City financial case uncertainty

Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gaizka Mendieta believes Erling Haaland could eventually leave Manchester City for Spain if the Premier League club’s ongoing financial case seriously affects its ability to compete for major trophies.
Mendieta made the prediction following reports that an independent commission had found Manchester City in breach of 114 of the 115 Premier League charges brought against the club.

However, neither the Premier League nor Manchester City has publicly released the commission’s full decision. City said on Friday that the process “remains ongoing” and that significant elements are still to be completed. The Premier League declined to comment publicly on the reported findings. The Irish News
No punishment has yet been announced, although reports have discussed possible sanctions ranging from fines and points deductions to more severe measures. City has consistently denied wrongdoing and the process is understood to be moving into an appeal stage. Sky Sports
Against that backdrop, Mendieta said players of Haaland’s stature want to compete for trophies and suggested the Norwegian striker could reconsider his future if City’s circumstances changed significantly.

The former Barcelona player said he could imagine Haaland playing for either Real Madrid or Barcelona but believes the Catalan club’s style would particularly suit the striker’s movement and power in the penalty area.

Any move would likely command a substantial transfer fee.

Haaland remains tied to Manchester City on a long-term contract after signing a deal in January 2025 that runs until the summer of 2034. Manchester City FC

That means there is currently no indication that City are actively preparing to sell him or that Barcelona or Real Madrid have agreed a deal for the striker.

For now, Mendieta’s comments amount to a prediction about what could happen depending on the eventual outcome of City’s financial case.