Mendieta: Haaland May Leave Manchester City for Barcelona If Sanctions Are Harsh

Former Spain midfielder Gaizka Mendieta has raised the possibility that Erling Haaland could leave Manchester City for Barcelona if the club receives severe sanctions after being found guilty of breaking financial rules. An independent panel found Manchester City guilty on 114 of 115 charges following a lengthy case involving alleged financial breaches over nine years, from 2009 to 2018. The Premier League has not yet said what penalties will be imposed, and Manchester City are preparing an appeal. The unresolved situation has prompted questions about the futures of several of City's leading players, including Haaland, especially if the final punishment affects the club's place in the Premier League or Champions League. The Norway international has become one of the top strikers in world football since joining Manchester City for £51 million in 2022. He has scored 169 goals in 205 appearances for the club and is on track to challenge Sergio Aguero's record as City's all-time leading scorer. Many also consider him capable of pursuing Alan Shearer's Premier League record of 260 goals if he stays in England long enough. Mendieta, however, believes Haaland would exit the Etihad Stadium if Manchester City were removed from the Premier League and Champions League as a result of the financial case. He has identified Barcelona as a possible destination for the 26-year-old striker in that scenario. Manchester City have previously been linked with speculation that sanctions could include a major points deduction or relegation, though the Premier League has not confirmed any punishment. The club are contesting the independent panel's conclusions, leaving Haaland's future and any potential switch to Barcelona uncertain.