Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been linked with Barcelona this week but Pep Guardiola has poured cold water on the idea.
Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona to keep their hands off Erling Haaland and stated the Norwegian wants to see out his nine-year contract at Manchester City.
Reports in Spain have claimed Barcelona president Joan Laporta has slapped Haaland at the top of his transfer wish list and that the 63-year-old, who faces re-election next year, dreams of landing the goal machine.
But Haaland, who has 11 goals in eight games for City this season, signed a mammoth new contract at the start of the year and is now tied down at the Etihad until 2034, with Guardiola confident his star man wants to stay and fire the club to more glory.
"I think Erling isn’t stupid enough to sign something he doesn’t want to accomplish, that is for sure," the City boss said.
"But it's football, who knows what is going to happen. Nobody knows."
Laporta's desire to sign Haaland could be his first move in trying to secure another term at the Nou Camp and given the 25-year-old's frightening record in front of goal, Barcelona are one of many clubs who would dream of being able to sign him.
"Can you tell me one club that wouldn’t dream of Erling Haaland?," said Guardiola.
"I understand Barcelona dream of Erling, and all the clubs in the world. If Erling would not be with us it would be a dream for Man City have Erling.
"Honestly, I don’t know what is going to happen. I know he has a long contract here, and I think he’s doing really well and scoring a lot of goals.
"I had the feeling the team helps him a lot and gives him a lot of actions where he is able to score a goal."
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