Xavi: Barcelona’s financial problems behind Haaland’s move to Manchester City

BERLIN – Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez said he believes Barcelona’s financial problems will be the main factor if Manchester City wins the race to sign Norwegian star Erling Haaland, the German striker for Borussia Dortmund.

News reports widely reported that Manchester City will announce this week the completion of the contract deal with Haaland, as the Premier League champion expressed his willingness to activate the penalty clause in Haaland’s contract with Dortmund, which is worth 75 million euros (78.9 million dollars).

It was reported that Barcelona and Real Madrid were seriously interested in signing Haaland, who scored 28 goals for Dortmund in 29 games in all competitions this season.

But Barcelona still suffers from financial constraints that had caused the departure of Argentine star Lionel Messi from the team before the start of this season.

“The matter has not been officially resolved, when it is, you will ask me again,” Xavi said during a press conference before Barcelona’s match against Celta Vigo on Tuesday in the Spanish League.

He added, “Did he rule out his joining us? I won’t lie to you, it’s very difficult given our economic situation.”

When asked whether Haaland would choose the money instead of the project, Xavi said: “I will not say this. I will not show any disrespect for the sports projects of other clubs.”

He added: “Manchester City have won many trophies and are competing at the highest level. If what you say happens (to close the deal), it will be because of our financial problems.”