In recent weeks, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a>‘s interest in acquiring <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/manchester-city/">Manchester City</a>’s star forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/erling-haaland/">Erling Haaland</a> has notably diminished. While Haaland’s potential transfer to the Spanish giants was heavily rumored, one central reason for this shift lies in the impressive form and enduring commitment of Barcelona’s own star forward, who has been the club’s goal-scoring anchor. With&nbsp;the club’s board <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-to-go-all-in-for-haaland-as-lewandowskis-successor/">aiming for a marquee signing</a> to close out Joan Laporta’s term as president, Haaland had become a favored target, but their current forward’s continued success has allowed the club to ease back on this pursuit for now.



Barca initially saw&nbsp;Erling Haaland&nbsp;as a “dream signing” capable of shaping the team’s long-term future. Since joining Manchester City in 2022, Haaland has established himself as one of the world’s premier forwards, scoring an astonishing&nbsp;101 goals in just 108 matches&nbsp;across all competitions and making him the standout striker of the Premier League. However, his contract at Manchester City runs until&nbsp;2027, and with interest from Real Madrid also reportedly growing, securing Haaland would come at a high financial cost. Barcelona’s well-known financial limitations made the potential acquisition challenging.



Despite these obstacles, Barcelona held firm to its vision. A potential Haaland transfer would align with Joan Laporta’s intention to make a substantial “media signing” before the end of his term. However, as Sport has reported,&nbsp;the club has now cooled their interest, citing their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/robert-lewandowski/">Robert Lewandowski</a>’s stellar form as a primary factor.



<h2>Barcelona to award Lewandowski for stellar season</h2>



Barcelona’s current main forward&nbsp;has enjoyed a remarkable start to the 2024-25 season, tallying&nbsp;19 goals in 16 games across all competitions&nbsp;and proving his relevance despite nearing the final phase of his career at age 36. Lewandowski’s success this season has reaffirmed his value to the club, and he remains Barcelona’s top scorer. A recent Sport report underscores the renewed sense of “tranquility” around the striker’s position, especially as the player has signaled his intent to&nbsp;activate an optional year of his contract&nbsp;and even consider a pay cut to remain in Catalonia.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241108_WST_538923_Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-1200x675_8c3f8047.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-538929" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Haaland-to-Barcelona-looking-less-possible-and-its-all-Blaugrana-superstars-fault-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The striker’s consistency has prompted the club to feel confident in their current roster’s capacity and ease the urgency of seeking a replacement. Additionally, under coach Hansi Flick, who succeeded Xavi, Barcelona’s main striker has been able to thrive in an offensive setup that complements his strengths. The dynamic between the player and the German manager has been described as highly effective, a synergy missing during the player’s last year with Xavi, where some tension arose over doubts about his place in the starting lineup. Now,&nbsp;under Flick’s guidance, he has returned to his best form, reestablishing himself as the club’s offensive linchpin.



<h2>Haaland deal on hold, future plans take shape</h2>



With a reliable superstar forward leading the Blaugrana’s attack, the club has decided to delay plans for signing an expensive marquee replacement, such as Haaland. Instead, the board is exploring options for&nbsp;signing a backup forward, focusing on candidates who could provide depth without the need for immediate stardom. One name currently on their radar is&nbsp;Jonathan David, whose potential free-agent status could make him a feasible addition.



This approach benefits Barcelona financially and allows the club to defer any hasty or costly moves in the transfer market. By preserving their resources, Barcelona can avoid the financial strain a high-profile signing like Haaland would entail, especially given Haaland’s projected high market value and the hefty fee City would demand for his release.

Haaland to Barcelona looking less possible and it's all Blaugrana superstar's fault

Haaland to Barcelona looking less possible and it's all Blaugrana superstar's fault - World Soccer Talk

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Barcelona extended their winning streak with a 4-1 win in the first Catalan derby of the season at Girona. Lamine Yamal was the star of the show as he reached double figures for goals as a player for Barca.



<h2>Yamal reached double digits for Barca</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240915_WST_529175_Yamal-Barca-1-1-1200x675_a2c86d0a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-529248" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Just before the international break, Michel’s side beat Sevilla away from home as Abel Ruiz opened his LaLiga account. The striker who captained <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/09/sport/spain-france-mens-soccer-final-spt-intl/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spain to the Olympics gold medal</a> is the replacement for the league’s top scorer Artem Dovbyk.



Meanwhile, Barca was the only team to win all the first four games in LaLiga. With Real Madrid taking three points from San Sebastian despite another lackluster performance, the task was to stretch the lead over the champions to four points.



Although the first goal was self-inflicted with David Lopez easily dispossed by Yamal, Barcelona deserved to go two goals ahead at the half-time break. The 17-year-old was at the double to reach 10 career club goals.



Euro 2024 Young Player of the Tournament started the new season with blistering form. Despite fitness issues during the international break, he started both of Spain’s games in the Nations League.&nbsp;



He has direct goal contributions in all five games so far. And he’s expected to be crowned as the winner of the Kopa Trophy in next month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Yamal is not only for the future. He’s also the present.



<h2>Flick’s well-drilled team posed a challenge to star-studded Real</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240915_WST_529175_Yamal-Barca-2-1200x675_3be1c6a5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-529249" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Yamal-Barca-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Barcelona’s second-half dominance was even more impressive. Yamal could’ve had his first hat-trick and Robert Lewandowski came very close to keep his scoring run. It was only four by the end of the game, but Girona could’ve easily conceded seven like Real Valladolid.



After winning their first three games by a close scoreline of 2-1, Hansi Flick’s team is now crashing opponents with total dominance. The German coach worked wonders under <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-suffer-further-financial-setback-with-big-fine-20240210-WST-488858.html">difficult financial conditions</a>.&nbsp;



Not only the Champions League kings Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid also strengthened with big-money signings this summer. In contrast, Barcelona only signed their academy graduate Dani Olmo and youngster Pau Victor.



Investing big in Olmo has been an instant hit as he scored in all his first three games. Although they only managed to keep one clean sheet, the attacking numbers more than made up for it. Barcelona had 23 shots on the night, including 9 on target.



It was also a sweet revenge for Barcelona as their 4-2 home defeat to Girona confirmed Real Madrid as champions last season. Girona also <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/laliga-girona-to-get-lesser-prize-money-regardless-of-outcome-20231213-WST-476946.html">won their first meeting</a> by the same scoreline in Montilivi.



<h2>What’s next for Girona and Barcelona?</h2>



Both teams will be on the road for midweek’s Champions League actions. Girona’s first-ever European game will see them face high-flying PSG at the Parc des Prince on Wednesday. The Parisians maintained their perfect start to the Ligue 1 season with a 3-1 success over fellow Champions League club Stade Brestois.



And, on Thursday, Barcelona will be up against AS Monaco. The Monegasque are yet to concede a goal from an open play. Adi Hutter’s side could potentially challenge PSG and Marseille for a Ligue 1 throne.



In league action, bottom-placed Valencia will be Girona’s next opponent as last season’s surprise packages aim to return to winning ways. Barcelona, without the suspended Ferran Torres, will have a third consecutive away game as they visit Villarreal, whose three wins came via injury-time winners.



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Haaland to Barcelona looking less possible and it's all Blaugrana superstar's fault

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