FC Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandes has revealed why the club didn’t sign striker Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
The Norwegian completed a move to Manchester City on Monday after passing his medicals in Brussels despite interest from a host of European clubs including Barcelona.
According to Xavi, his club couldn’t compete financially with Man City who triggered the player’s release clause.
“I wish Haaland all the best at City. We couldn’t compete economically,” Xavi told Barca Tv after their Tuesday night win over Celta Vigo.
The manager went on to praise winger Ousmane Dembele whose contract situation at the club is yet to be sorted despite his current deal running out in the summer.
Xavi: “Economically, we couldn’t compete to sign Erling Haaland here at Barcelona. But I wish him all the best”. ??? #FCB
“Ousmane Dembélé is making the difference for us – and it’s not just about his goals”, Xavi added.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2022
“Making a difference is not just scoring goals. The first goal is practically his, then he provides another goal for Auba. Ousmane is making a difference for us,” he added.
Barcelona is still looking to finish in the second position with two games left to go as Sevilla can still finish above them should they fail to win their remaining games.
