Europe's biggest sides do battle for Erling Haaland

Europe's biggest sides do battle for Erling Haaland

Haaland / | sport

The Norwegian forward is the hottest name on the transfer market

Mino Raiola is in control. His player, Erling Haaland, is wanted by Europe’s top sides. Yet only one of these will be able to convince Raiola, the player, and Borussia Dortmund to be able to sign him. The Norwegian has a deal with the Germans until June 30, 2024. He will leave the club, although it’s not clear that it will be this summer.

Dortmund know how big of a star they have on their hands, having signed him from Red Bull Salzburg for 20 million euros in January 2020, a number that will be dwarfed by his next fee.

ESPN said on Friday that Dortmund have slapped a 180 million euro fee on his head, leaving him out of reach of many teams. However he has a clause in his contract saying that he could leave in 2022 for 75 million euros.

CARDS ON THE TABLE

Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Bayern and Real Madrid are Barca’s main rivals to sign Haaland. All of those have made a move, in one way or another, for the striker. United, who wanted him while at Salzburg, may sell Van de Beek to help afford him and placate coach Solskjaer, who wants him. At City Pep Guardiola needs a replacement for Sergio Aguero and have already bid 115 million according to reports. Chelsea may try to convince Dortmund by offering Timo Werner and a fee.

Bayern have been quieter but president Herbert Hainer has warned that “we are an economically powerful club”. Madrid, for their part, have a good relationship to call on, between Florentino Perez and Joachim Watzke, the Dortmund chief. 

Barcelona’s economic position is weak, but Joan Laporta has a good relationship with Raiola which may help. To sign Haaland, though, they will need to sell players first.

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