Paul Scholes tips Erling Haaland for Barcelona move if Manchester City exit becomes necessary

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has predicted that Erling Haaland would join Barcelona if the Manchester City striker were forced to leave the club amid the threat of punishment over alleged financial breaches.

Manchester City are awaiting a decision in the case involving 115 alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. According to Spanish newspaper AS, 114 of the allegations relate to financial irregularities.

The potential sanctions could include relegation to the English second tier. Should a punishment of that severity be imposed, several of Manchester City’s leading players could consider their futures, with Haaland among those most likely to attract attention.

It would be difficult to see the Norway international continuing in the second tier, while Manchester City’s possible absence from the Champions League could also influence his decision.

Asked on a podcast where Haaland might move if he left the club, Scholes said: “Barcelona. He seems like a player who suits Real Madrid, and I can completely imagine him in a Real Madrid shirt, but he will move to Barcelona.”

Despite the speculation surrounding Haaland’s future, AS reports that the player’s representatives are not currently concerned and are not considering possible departure scenarios while the case remains unresolved.

Manchester City are continuing to pursue their legal options through appeals. It is also not yet clear whether the club will receive a punishment at all, or whether any sanction would take effect from the start of next season.

Haaland is 26 and has a contract with Manchester City until 2034. However, any ruling that threatens the club’s participation in the Premier League or major European competitions could increase the possibility of his departure and encourage interest from leading clubs across the continent.