Haaland sets course for summer transfer but Man Utd, Chelsea lag behind

Erling Haaland Koln v Borussia Dortmund March 2021

Erling Haaland has reportedly told his agent, Mino Raiola, that he will look to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Haaland cut a frustrated figure on Saturday after Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with Koln.

The relegation-threatened club had led 2-1, but the Norwegian striker’s late strike salvaged a point.

Dortmund would have wanted the win as they push for the top four. However, the draw kept them in fifth, four points behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.

Previous reports have outlined how Dortmund are banking on a top-four finish amid their financial difficulties.

According to AS, Haaland’s future at the club also rests on them qualifying for the Champions League.

What’s more, he is reportedly willing to rip up the verbal agreement Raiola made with Dortmund CEO Hanz-Joachim Watzke when he joined in December 2019.

Raiola and Watzke verbally agreed that Haaland could leave for a ‘reasonable’ price in the summer of 2022. While speculation has touted €75million as the fee, AS adds that the pair never put the figure in writing.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I keep in touch with Erling Haaland

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: I keep in touch with Erling Haaland

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says he keeps in touch with Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland but is happy with Manchester United's recruitment model.

Nevertheless, the agreement may not come into play if Dortmund fail with their Champions League push.

Haaland ‘understands’ that the Champions League is the ‘shop window’ for him to display his best talents.

As such, he ‘refuses’ to contemplate a season where he is not participating in the competition.

Man Utd, Chelsea lag behind for Haaland

As for where his career could take him next, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are among the teams with a strong interest.

According to AS, though, Real Madrid currently sit in pole position to land Haaland’s signature.

Firstly, the striker has ‘always liked’ the prospect of lining up for Los Blancos.

What’s more, Madrid have the upper hand in the off-field politics of the deal; Raiola wants to work with Madrid, while Dortmund chief Watzke has a strong relationship with Madrid counterpart Florentino Perez.


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Indeed, Watzke is reportedly ‘minded’ to help Perez on the financial side of a deal, including the organisation of transfer payments.

Raiola reportedly proved a key stumbling block when United held talks to sign Haaland before he moved to Germany.

Nevertheless, the player’s form is the one constant. The striker’s brace against Koln took his tally this season to 33 goals in 31 games.

READ MORE: Chelsea flop digs heels in over deal to aid Haaland’s arrival