Transfer Centre

Xavi: 'Barcelona cannot afford Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 04 January 2024

Xavi: 'Barcelona cannot afford Mbappe, Haaland'

Barcelona boss Xavi admits that his club are not able to compete for talents such as Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland.

Barcelona head coach Xavi has admitted that his club are not able to compete for talents such as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland due to their tricky financial situation.

Mbappe's deal with Paris Saint-Germain is due to expire at the end of June, meaning that foreign clubs are currently able to discuss a pre-contract with the France international.

Real Madrid remain the favourites for the World Cup winner, but there have recently been claims that Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the situation due to the fact that the forward could be available on a free transfer.

Any move for Mbappe will still cost a considerable amount of money, though, as he is likely to command one of the biggest signing-on fees in the history of football, while his wages will also be substantial.

When asked about the prospect of Barcelona moving for the 25-year-old, Xavi conceded that his club are not in a position to move for players of his ilk, including Manchester City's Haaland.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe on December 13, 2023 © Reuters

"With the ones I have, I have to cope with them. We're not in a position right now to think about this type of transfer (Mbappe or Haaland), we don't have this privileged economic situation. I'll stick with the players I have, we have to win and win titles," Xavi told reporters on Wednesday.

Haaland's future at Man City is also being called into question, as the Norway international is believed to be keen to play in La Liga at some stage of his career, while there is thought to be a release clause in his deal.

However, Barcelona will not be in the running for the 23-year-old, who has scored 71 goals and registered 14 assists in 75 appearances for the Citizens since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Mbappe has again been in excellent form for PSG this season, scoring 22 goals and registering two assists in 23 appearances in all competitions, but he could be entering the final stages of his time at the club.

Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe on November 7, 2023 © Reuters

A recent report claimed that Real Madrid are preparing to approach Mbappe but want an answer by the middle of January over his plans this summer.

Al-Hilal are believed to have had a world-record bid accepted by PSG for Mbappe last summer, but the Frenchman turned down the chance to move to Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona's attacking output has been down this season, as Robert Lewandowski has only managed nine goals in all competitions, with Ferran Torres and Joao Felix then joint-second in the list on six each.

Raphinha has only managed three goals this term, meanwhile, but the club have boosted their forward line this month with the arrival of Vitor Roque, with the 18-year-old moving to Camp Nou from Athletico Paranaense, six months earlier than had originally been agreed.