Background
During his electoral campaign in 2003, Joan Laporta promised to sign David Beckham — regarded among the best players at the time — if elected Barcelona president. However, the Englishman ended up joining Real Madrid that summer, and Laporta went for another player, Ronaldinho, although he wasn't as big of a star back then.
Many would say that Barca actually got lucky by getting the Brazilian instead of Beckham, as Ronnie ended up becoming a key player, leading the club to — among other trophies — their second Champions League title in history. He was widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in the mid-2000s, even winning the Ballon d'Or in 2005.
Although he's not promised to get Erling Haaland this time around, Laporta has hinted several times that he might try to. However, the competition for the Norwegian is expected to be fierce, and Barca might not be able to compete with other teams in terms of finances. Thus, we've prepared a list of four players that the Catalans should consider as an alternative. (Although we are in no way implying that Barca would be better off by getting them instead.)
Alternatives
Frankly, Barcelona should try to sign the Dutchman regardless of whether they end up getting Haaland or not. Depay's contract with his current side is expiring at the end of the season, so getting him for free would be an absolute bargain.
Memphis has been an absolute monster this season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 26 matches for Lyon. His team is currently sitting in the first spot in Ligue 1, and Depay has played a big role in getting them there.
The Catalans tried to sign the Argentine last summer but couldn't afford him, so they ended up without a replacement for Luis Suarez. Although Lautaro isn't as much of a goalscorer as Haaland, he has strengths of his own.
Martinez is a world-class workaholic, so pressing the opposition wouldn't be a problem for him. Besides, he already has a bond with Leo Messi, as they play together on the national team.
This term, the 23-year-old has recorded 13 goals and seven assists in 31 matches for Inter Milan.
The youngster was linked with Barcelona last year, and in case the club scouts have been following him, they should know by now that Donyell is a top talent that is ready to make it at a big club. Last season, Malen was out for a long time with a knee injury, but he's returned in style, scoring 21 goals and providing seven assists in 33 matches for PSV.
Besides his footballing qualities, Malen could be a good signing because he already knows Ronald Koeman. It was Barca's current coach that gave Donyell his national team debut back in 2019.
Although not a centre-forward, Pogba could be a 'big statement' signing as well. The midfielder's contract at Manchester United expires in 2022 and it's said he doesn't plan to renew it, meaning that the Red Devils could be ready to sell him next summer.
What's more, Paul was the star signing Laporta promised in 2015, but he didn't join us as Josep Maria Bartomeu ended up as president. And finally, the Frenchman has said several times that he'd like to play alongside Messi and even wanted to join Barca instead of Man United back in 2016.
Laporta has a good relationship with Mino Raiola, Pogba's agent, and this could facilitate the move.
