The word on the street is Barcelona are on a hunt for a marquee number 9 signing in the upcoming summer transfer window. Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Braut Haaland, of course, tops their wish list. But that’s not a surprise. The young Norwegian prodigy is destined to mark the scene for the next decade alongside the Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappé so naturally, Barça want to be a part of it. Haaland, however, just like his Paris Saint-Germain counterpart, isn’t going to be cheap.

His release clause standing at only €75M is nothing but a mirage; an illusion signalling availability. In reality, though, the cost of that transaction would well and truly wreck both the bank and Barcelona’s still fragile wage bill. But, some things are worth investing in. Speaking of investments, however, Blaugrana’s best-ever investments have always come and always will come from within. Trusting in our own assets as opposed to seeking glory elsewhere is the true motto of the club. It’s what makes Barcelona special, among other things.

But the club has never been that big on producing prolific number 9s. Midfielders, sure. Even amazing ball-playing centre-backs too. But rarely elite centre-forwards, especially those of the more traditional elk. The new generation led by the likes of Victor Barbera or Hugo Alba may signal a shift but as of right now, the club is still looking outside its backyard in search of a marquee striker.