Pep Guardiola has dismissed speculation linking Erling Haaland with a move to Barcelona, insisting the Norwegian striker is “not stupid enough” to consider leaving Manchester City any time soon.
Reports in Spain suggested Barcelona president Joan Laporta hopes to make Haaland the centrepiece of his re-election campaign, but Guardiola was quick to laugh off the rumours.
“I think Erling isn’t stupid enough to sign something he doesn’t want to accomplish, that is for sure,” the City manager told reporters on 5 October. “But it’s football, who knows what is going to happen? Honestly, I don’t know what will happen. I know he has a long contract here, and he’s doing really well and scoring a lot of goals.”
Haaland, who has scored 11 goals in eight games this season, recently extended his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2034.
Guardiola acknowledged that Haaland is a player every club would love to have but stressed that he is happy and settled in Manchester.
“Can you tell me one club that wouldn’t dream of Erling Haaland?” he said. “I understand Barcelona dream of Erling and all the clubs in the world. If Erling were not with us, it would be a dream for Man City to have him. I have the feeling the team helps him a lot and gives him everything.”
