The Erling Haaland transfer puzzle has a new frontrunner, and it is not in Spain.

Paris Saint-Germain have moved ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid as the most likely destination for the Manchester City striker if he leaves the Etihad, per Le Parisien reporting carried by TeamTalk. Luis Enrique has asked the PSG hierarchy to make Haaland their priority target, according to The Hard Tackle.

Dembélé’s Saudi path clears the door

The move is tied to the future of Ousmane Dembélé, who turns 30 next year and could head to Saudi Arabia next summer. PSG see Haaland as a long-term successor at the point of their attack, with the sale of Dembélé potentially helping to fund any deal.

PSG arrive at Haaland’s door as back-to-back Champions League winners, with Luis Enrique having extended his contract at the Parc des Princes until 2030.

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The pursuit has intensified since Manchester City were found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial rules. The club is appealing the verdict, but the uncertainty over the eventual sanction has pushed Haaland’s name back into the market.

Romano pushes back on the €175m figure

Several outlets have placed a €175m release clause on the table for next summer. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has pushed back on that framing.

Romano has said the release clause in Haaland’s contract does not become active until 2029, with the striker tied to Manchester City until 2034.

“The clause is not for now, so forget about Haaland this summer or even next summer leaving with a release clause,” Romano said.

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Spain no longer in front

Earlier reporting had placed Barcelona and Real Madrid at the front of the queue for Haaland. The latest Le Parisien line, as cited by TeamTalk, is that PSG have now overtaken both.

The player’s father, Alf-Inge Haaland, has previously refused to rule out a Paris move.

“PSG is a fantastic club, and I wish them all the best. Nothing is impossible,” he said in remarks reported by TeamTalk.

Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad on October 14 in the Champions League, with Pep Guardiola, now a former manager at the club after stepping down last season, expected in the stands.

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