The Dutch head coach responded to Blaugrana’s links with Borussia star Dortmund ahead of a meeting with Real Sociedad
Ronald Koeman has dealt with the ongoing rumors about a possible move to Barcelona for Erling Haaland.
Barca are one of several top European clubs tied for a summer tour for Haaland, who have been in fertile form for Borussia Dortmund this season.
Koeman was asked to stress the profitability ahead of his Liga rivalry with Real Sociedad this weekend, but it did not take anything away from Norway’s potential move to Camp Nou soon.
What was said?
“Haaland? This is not a time to talk about a player we are out of respect for his club,” the Barca boss told a news conference.
“There’s talk of signs but I don’t like it and I have to focus on tomorrow’s game and the players we have.
“We will discuss in the next few weeks where we can make progress but I will not respond to players who are not with us.”
Who else is in the market for Haaland?
A number of potential destinations have been announced for Haaland as his stock continues to go up with each passing game.
Bayern Munich have been caught trying to lure the Norwegian international away from Westfalenstadion, and Italian giants Juventus have been credited with interest in his services.
Premier League trio Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have also identified Haaland as a target, along with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
However, recent reports in Spain have suggested that the 20-year-old would prefer to join Real Madrid, which could engage in a bidding war with rivals Barca. when the market reopens.
Haaland chart in 2020-21 & market value
Haaland is in high demand due to the incredible numbers he is making at Dortmund this season across both domestic and European sides.
The talented young player has scored 31 goals in 30 games across all competitions so far, including 19 in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Champions League.
Dortmund has now been reported to value Haaland more than € 80 million (£ 69m / $ 95m), meaning that if it sold in the summer they could make a profit of € 60m (£ 52m / $ 72m) on the player they signed from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020.
What else did Koeman say?
Koeman’s first year at Camp Nou has seen plenty of promotion and movement, but there have been recent signs of progress that indicate Barca can finish the campaign with a bang.
The Blaugrana have closed the gap on Atletico Madrid ‘s Liga leaders to just four points, and have also secured their place in the Copa del Rey final.
Koeman has been talking down about domestic doubles, however, wanting Barca to focus on one game at a time amidst a crowded game list.
“On the one hand, I don’t like to talk about doubles. This changes very quickly. Some time ago we were bad and there was nothing good,” he said.
“We have to keep working, game after game. We’re four points behind, there’s a very difficult record. There’s a long way to go to earn a lot.”