Transfer Rumors: Barcelona Angling For Pogba, Haaland Splash Next Summer

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez is the frontrunner to take Ronald Koeman’s job at Camp Nou and has named Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund as his major targets for next summer.

In a report by El Nacional, they noted that the two players will be headlining a four-man major transfer target list as the club looks to work its way back into contention.

The pursuit of Pogba comes as no surprise as the Manchester United midfield maestro has become frustrated with his lack of playing time and opportunities at Old Trafford.

He is yet to sign an extension despite ongoing talks between both sides.

Should the impasse continue through the January transfer window, Barcelona can then swoop in and hold talks with the French midfielder to facilitate a summer transfer.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed this last month, with Pogba's agent Mino Raiola claiming that everything is calm for now.

Pogba has also been linked to a return to his old stomping grounds of Juventus among a sea of clubs interested in getting the proven winner.

As for Haaland, he is believed to be the number one target for Xavi and Joan Laporta according to the same source.

The 21-year-old Norwegian is widely thought to be angling for an exit next summer as he searches for more competitive football.

There is no shortage of major clubs who are in pursuit of Haaland, with clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea deeply interested in acquiring the highly-acclaimed striker.

Barcelona will have tough competition with the England-based teams as Raiola is believed to be meeting with Manchester City in January, and their rumored master plan includes a sponsorship deal with Puma.

The growing interest in Haaland comes after early reports came out that he has a release clause worth around €90 million ($104.3 million) set to kick in next summer, a big reason as to why Borussia Dortmund believes Haaland will be gone.

Rounding out Xavi’s four-man major transfer targets are former Barcelona player Dani Olmo and 22-year-old Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.

Upper management finally had enough of Koeman’s lack of success at the Camp Nou and finally cut the cord with him as they eye a new direction.

If owner Joan Laporta can meet Xavi’s demands and get an understanding as to how the former Blaugrana mainstay will manage the club, it would not be a surprise to have Xavi roaming on the sidelines once again at Camp Nou.