According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes predicted on a podcast that Haaland would join Barcelona if Manchester City were administratively relegated due to financial fair play charges.
Manchester City faces 114 administrative charges, making Haaland's future at Manchester City uncertain in the football world. Paul Scholes discussed the Norwegian striker's prospects on "The Good, The Bad & The Football" podcast. In the opinion of the former Manchester United player, if Manchester City is eventually relegated, Haaland, currently the Premier League's top scorer, might move to Barcelona.
During the show, Paul Scholes was asked about Haaland's possible destination if Manchester City were relegated, and he pointed to Camp Nou. "Barcelona. Although he looks like a Real Madrid player, I can imagine him in a Real Madrid shirt, but he will go to Barcelona," Paul Scholes predicted about Haaland's future. Haaland renewed his contract with Manchester City for ten seasons in January 2025, extending it until June 2034. Although the possible release clause has not been made public, the uncertainty of Manchester City's administrative relegation could open the door for the Norwegian to move to another club. Barcelona has long been interested in Haaland, but previously, due to their own circumstances, signing him was not realistic.
In the same podcast episode, Paul Scholes's former Manchester United teammate Nicky Butt also discussed Haaland's future and the possible plans of his father, Alf-Inge Haaland. Butt said: "I'd be surprised if he hasn't got something already lined up somewhere. [His dad] is everywhere, even in the executive box half the time. He watches his son play and tries to take all the credit."
While awaiting future developments, Haaland continues to score for Manchester City, having netted 14 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions. Such statistics make the Norwegian highly attractive in the transfer market.