According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday November 11, 2026, Barcelona could have an opportunity to sign Erling Haaland if Manchester City are relegated following the Premier League’s financial investigation, according to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes.

The former midfielder believes the Norwegian would choose the Catalan club despite looking suited to Real Madrid.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes was asked where Haaland might move if City were forced out of the Premier League.

On September 29, 2026, a Premier League commission found City guilty of serious financial rule breaches and most charges relating to their failure to cooperate. City appealed on October 1, leaving the disciplinary process unresolved.

Scholes acknowledged that Haaland looked like a natural fit for Real Madrid. However, he backed Barcelona to secure the striker.

“Barcelona. Although he looks like a Real Madrid player. I can easily picture him in a Real Madrid shirt, but he’ll go to Barça,” he predicted.

A move would be surprising because Haaland remains tied to City. The 26-year-old signed a new contract in January 2025, extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2034.

Scholes’ former United teammate Nicky Butt also discussed the striker’s situation. He suggested plans for a possible transfer could already be taking shape, while pointing to Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge.

Butt said he would be surprised if the forward did not already have another destination lined up. He also noted that Alf-Inge follows his son and attends his matches.

Barcelona have monitored Haaland for some time, but his salary demands and City’s strong contractual position make a deal difficult. Relegation could change the situation, although it would not guarantee his departure.

City’s appeal means the final punishment has yet to be decided. Barcelona must wait for the outcome before an opportunity to pursue the striker becomes clear.