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Barcelona are at the top of the LaLiga table after 18 games this season, tied on points with second-placed Atletico Madrid, who have a game in hand. Hansi Flick's team have won just one of their last five games in the league.
Meanwhile, the Catalans have set their sights on Erling Haaland. Elsewhere, Liverpool are interested in taking a Brazilian forward to Anfield.
On that note, let's look at the major Barcelona transfer stories from December 18, 2024.
Barcelona want Erling Haaland in 2025
Barcelona want to sign Erling Haaland next summer, according to journalist Jota Jordi. The Catalans have had their eyes on the Norwegian striker for a while and even attempted to sign him in 2022 without success.
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The LaLiga giants are now laying down succession plans for Robert Lewandowski, who will turn 37 next August. They have identified Haaland as the ideal candidate for the job.
The 24-year-old has been scoring goals for fun since arriving at Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund a couple of summers ago. Haaland now has 108 goals from 121 games across competitions for the Cityzens.
Barcelona are ready to move mountains to sign the Norwegian at the end of this season, as they remain concerned about Lewandowski's longevity. Erling Haaland reportedly has a released clause in his deal that will come into effect next summer. However, the Catalans' poor finances could be a hindrance to their plans.
Liverpool eyeing Raphinha
Liverpool have identified Raphinha as a possible successor for Mohamed Salah, according to Fichajes.net. The Reds are in a spot of bother with the Egyptian superstar, whose contract with the club expires at the end of this season.
Salah has yet to sign a new deal, with rumors linking him with an exit from Anfield. Raphinha already has the experience of playing in the Premier League with Leeds United and the Merseyside club are now planning to bring him back.
The Brazilian has been outstanding for Barcelona this season, scoring 17 goals and 10 assists from 24 games across competitions. His contract at Camp Nou runs until 2027 and the Catalans are under no pressure to let him go.
However, the LaLiga giants are in financial distress and a proper offer from Liverpool could tempt them to cash in on Raphinha. Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly have their eyes on the player as well.
Catalans not in the race for Marcus Rashford
Barcelona are not considered a serious contender in the race to sign Marcus Rashford, according to Sky Sports. The Catalans' salary cap makes it next to impossible for them to sign the English forward.
Rashford's future at Manchester United has been subject to speculation for a while. Those rumors have caught fire since the 27-year-old was kept out of the squad for the Manchester Derby last weekend.
The situation has prompted his suitors, including Barcelona, to sit up and take note. The Catalans will have to offload players for the move to materialize, which they are not considering at the moment. In the current scenario, the player may have to take a significant pay cut to join the club, which also appears unlikely.
