Man Utd, City, Chelsea on alert as Dortmund make Haaland exit assumption

Borussia Dortmund expect Erling Haaland to leave at the end of the season if they do not qualify for the Champions League, it is claimed.

Haaland is one of the most in-demand prospects in European football. His goalscoring exploits with Dortmund have outlined him as one of the best strikers across the continent.

Dortmund landed themselves a gem when they signed Haaland from RB Salzburg last January. However, they may not be able to keep hold of him forever.

The Norway international has a €75m release clause in his contract, which will be valid in 2022. Until then, though, Dortmund can command whatever price they want.

Ideally, the Bundesliga side would like to keep him for another full season. However, there is a growing risk they will be unable to.

According to Don Balon, Dortmund “assume” that Haaland will leave if they do not finish in the top four this season.

The German club are already struggling financially due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A failure to qualify for the Champions League would only further their problems.

How can Chelsea land Dortmund striker Erling Haaland?

How can Chelsea land Dortmund striker Erling Haaland?

Chelsea would have to promise Erling Haaland he would have Champions League football and be their undisputed No 9, European football writer Tom Williams tells the Transfer Talk podcast.

Dortmund are currently sixth in the Bundesliga table. There is a long way to go yet, but if they do not improve that position, it could have negative consequences.

Aside from the financial implications – which could force them to sell key players for a reduced price – it is also likely that several of their most ambitious stars will not want to stay if they will not be in the Champions League.

Haaland would fall under that bracket, and therefore could consider his options.

Prem trio chasing Haaland

Erling Haaland

According to Don Balon, five clubs are interested in the 20-year-old. As well as La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, Premier League trio Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea want him.

United wanted to sign Haaland before he chose Dortmund instead. Edinson Cavani has improved them up front, but they could still be looking for a longer-term solution.

City, meanwhile, want to find a successor to Sergio Aguero, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Haaland is at the top of their wishlist.

Chelsea, for their part, are looking to strengthen for new coach Thomas Tuchel. With Timo Werner misfiring, they could still be in the market for a new striker.

Previous reports claimed that City would be in pole position if they can maintain their current position and win the Premier League.

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