Jordi Cruyff spent two years as Barcelona’s sporting director, taking on a complex mission. He, along with Mateu Alemany, was the man tasked with bringing back the Catalan club from oblivion and making them one of the best clubs in the world again.
Much like his father had done all those years ago, Jordi’s task was to modernize the team without losing its roots, maintaining an attacking style of football, trusting in the La Masia academy, and making strategic signings that are within their financial constraints.
Cruyff, in a long interview with SPORT, spoke on multiple topics that defined his time as sporting director at Barcelona. Responsible for bringing in a number of players who are now first-team stars, the Dutchman had interesting anecdotes to share.
Barcelona dreamt of Erling Haaland
Jordi Cruyff was asked if there was any signing that the club wanted to make that was impossible, and he mentioned that Barcelona dreamt of Erling Haaland. He said:
“Well, yes. We were dreaming—Haaland, Lewandowski… someone who could bring impact, be a statement. A “we’re back, here to compete” kind of message. The club needed that. But Haaland was impossible—even if he had been open, it couldn’t happen. With Lewandowski, considering his stats over the last ten years, he was a sure bet. He was going to come and score goals.”
Back then, Haaland was still at Borussia Dortmund and had not made the move to Etihad yet. He had already been regarded as one of the biggest striker talents going around in Europe, and it is fair to say that he has lived up to that potential in the light blue shirt, as evidenced by his current valuation of €180m.
Barcelona signed Robert Lewandowski instead
While signing the Norwegian would have been a huge statement of intent, Barcelona made an even bigger one by signing Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich when he was in his prime. Despite his age, the Pole still had a lot of legs left at the top level.
Since his move to Barcelona, this theory has been proven by the way Lewandowski has performed and is still performing for the Catalan club. The 36-year-old has spent three seasons in Spain, scoring 101 goals in 147 games for the club.
Lewandowski continues to be Hansi Flick’s main number nine and will be hoping to continue his goalscoring exploits in the upcoming season, which will be his last at the club as per his current contract.
As for Haaland, he continues to impress in the Premier League, and who knows, there might come a day when he is seen wearing the Blaugrana jersey in the future.
