Erling Haaland: Borussia Dortmund director explains why Man City move came at right time to end ‘burden’ with striker

Borussia Dortmund do not seem to have any regrets about the departure of Erling Haaland to Manchester City, after a director claimed his exit was timed right.

Haaland has hit the ground running since completing his highly anticipated transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in the summer. Already, he has 12 goals from eight appearances for his new employers.

It looks as if it is a certainty that Haaland will live up to his lofty expectations. Hence, Manchester City will be delighted with their investment.

Due to a release clause, Borussia Dortmund were somewhat powerless to keep Haaland. Still, the Bundesliga side may be wondering what life would be like with the striker at their club again.

Yet, it does not seem to be on their mind. Indeed, former player and current sporting director Sebastien Kehl has explained why organising Haaland’s departure had become too much of a burden for the club, who offloaded him at the right time.

Kehl told Sport Bild: “As much as we have always appreciated Erling and the success he has had with our shirt, in the end the matter had definitely become a burden, both in the dressing room and for the club.

“In general, for the whole environment, it was just him. The timing of the sale was right, both for us and for City.

“The fact that our first 10 goals this season have been scored by 10 different players proves it.”

Kehl wanted Erling Haaland situation sorted sooner

Going into the weekend’s fixtures, Dortmund sit joint top of the Bundesliga, with four wins and one defeat from five games. Among them, they have scored eight goals; they have also scored six goals in cup competitions, with three each in the DFB Pokal and the Champions League.

Only Marco Reus, Raphael Guerreiro and Jude Bellingham have got more than one goal to their name so far this season.

But the variety is pleasing Kehl, who saw Haaland score more than double the number of goals his closest teammate, Reus, managed last season.

Thanks to Haaland’s form, his exit seemed inevitable. It was merely a matter of locating his next club. Ultimately, Manchester City fended off other rivals to win the race.

However, Kehl would have preferred some clarity sooner. In turn, Borussia Dortmund would have been able to make better plans for the process of replacing the Norway international.

Kehl continued: “I would have liked to have been certain a little earlier, because that issue limited our preparation.

“Without him, we have the possibility to trust the other players. The fact that our first 10 competitive goals have been scored by 10 different players shows that pretty well.”

It will not be long before Haaland is reunited with his former employers. Manchester City are, after all, in the same Champions League group as the German side.

They are due to welcome them to the Etihad Stadium on September 14. The return fixture will take place on October 25 at Haaland’s old stomping ground.

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