Ranking the 5 clubs Erling Haaland could join in 2022

#3 FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona recently appointed former player Xavi as the manager to take the club back to the top.

Barcelona have had some of the worst luck with new signings in the past few years. After spending astronomical sums on Ousmane Dembele (£135m) and Philippe Coutinho (£142m), many believed the squad was ready to compete. However, Barca are still far from it.

They recently brought in Memphis Depay and Sergio Aguero to bolster their attacking options. However, the former has struggled for form and has not been able to score in streaks. Aguero, on the other hand, was forced to retire from the sport following cardiac complications.

It is widely known that Barca are desperate for a striker and would prefer a younger, long-term option. Haaland has emerged as the frontrunner for the move. People have also drawn comparisons between his superstar status and Barcelona's mega-club reputation.

Regardless of how good a fit this move seems on paper, getting it done is near impossible for Blaugrana. They have struggled with finances for over two years now and it was also part of the reason they let Lionel Messi leave the club last summer.

It could give other clubs an advantage should Haaland's transfer saga continue for longer.

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#2 Real Madrid

Will we see 'Galacticos 2.0' now that Florentino Perez is back as Real Madrid president?

Florentino Perez made a return as Real Madrid president in 2009 after being forced to step down in 2006 following a 'failed policy' of accumulating superstar players in Real Madrid's 'Galacticos' era. As soon as he returned, he declared:

"Galacticos failed in the past. We go again."

Since then, Real Madrid have stuck to the strategy and signed a marquee player each year. In 2009 alone, they signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Kaka and Xabi Alonso. The club runs with the goal of winning trophies.

Fast forward 12 years from the president's return, Real Madrid are contending for La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. However, with main striker Karim Benzema already 34, future investments are key now.

It seems like the perfect time to invest in Haaland, who is 21 years old. However, Real Madrid's ambitions to pursue Kylian Mbappe along with the Norwegian could see them sacrifice the pursuit of one. As things stand, Mbappe is likelier to join Los Blancos.

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#1 Manchester City

Pep Guardiola's fearsome Manchester City side is only lacking a striker.

Manchester City are one of the best-coached teams in Europe. They play the best possession football and are surprisingly tight at the back in defense as well. Under Pep Guardiola, they have won the Premier League in three of the last four seasons. With a 13-point lead at the summit currently this season, the Cityzens look all set to make it four in five.

However, they have a case of a missing piece from their ideal XI. Since Sergio Aguero's departure last summer, City have failed to find an adequate replacement. The Argentine is City's all-time record scorer with 260 goals.

Haaland seems like a player who has the footballing as well as the mental ability to step into Aguero's boots. His hold-up play will help bring City's supremely talented midfielders into the game more often, increasing their chances of scoring. Haaland is a physical phenomenon who can hold his own in a physically demanding Premier League.

The Norwegian's transfer fee should not be a stumbling block either, as City are more than good for the cash. Another major point in their favor is that Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Manchester City. The youngster could very well have a soft spot for the club and may join them over other options.