According to El Nacional, Xavi wants Barcelona to sign Erling Braut Håland, who is said to be a target for Newcastle and Amanda Staveley.
What’s the story?
Well, it was AS who revealed that Newcastle, backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), are planning a move for Håland.
The 15-cap Norway international is one of the most lethal strikers on the planet, and has scored 13 goals in just ten games this season.
In total, Håland has netted a remarkable 70 goals in 69 games since joining Borussia Dortmund in a £17.1m move from RB Salzburg.
Simply put, the 21-year-old is a phenomenon.
You can see why Xavi wants him at Barcelona.
The Spaniard is yet to officially be named as Ronald Koeman’s replacement, although he is said to have handed Barcelona a list of targets.
Along with Håland, Paul Pogba, Dani Olmo and Jules Kounde are in Xavi’s sights.
Newcastle should go all out for Erling Braut Håland
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle can spend £190m under PIF in January – the Magpies are now the richest club on the planet.
As a result, we think Staveley should go all out to sign Håland.
Every big-money takeover needs a marquee arrival to kick things off, and if Newcastle somehow managed to get the Norwegian, it would send shockwaves across Europe.
Håland seems destined to win the Ballon d’Or at least once in his career, which has started in otherworldly fashion.
Interestingly, a move is possible in a financial sense, as Borussia Dortmund are unable to charge crazy money for their No.9.
As CBS Sports detail, Håland has a €75m (£63.8m) release clause in his contract which becomes active in June 2022.
Plenty of clubs will be willing to match that, so Newcastle must convince the wonderkid with an attractive sporting project and personal career plan.
If Newcastle can get Håland to St James’ Park, it would be truly special.
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