Erling Haaland is one of the most sought after players in world football. The speculation around his future is perhaps only beaten by that around Kylian Mbappe and while both look likely to be swapping clubs this summer, it seems we may soon know where Haaland will be heading if reports are to believe.
According to the BBC, the 21-year-old will make a decision on his future “within the next 10 days”, but where might he end up going, and why?
Why is Haaland so sought after?
Even before he joined Dortmund, Haaland was a highly-rated young prospect from his time at RB Salzburg days.
Since he joined the German side, his stock has only grown. In 2021, only Robert Lewandowski (43) and Dusan Vlahovic (33) scored more goals than Haaland (30) in Europe’s top five leagues.
Despite an interrupted season due to injury, he has scored 16 goals in as many Bundesliga games this campaign and in the entirety of his Dortmund career he has scored 80 goals in 81 games.
Given he is still only 21, it’s clear why Europe’s elite are queuing up to try and sign him.
Who is in for him?
In short? Pretty much every top club in Europe but some have made their interest more well known than others.
According to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barcelona boss Xavi flew to Munich to meet with Haaland earlier this month in an effort to convince the Norweigan to snub Real Madrid who are also interested.
Despite the presumed arrival of Mbappe at Madrid this summer, the La Liga leaders are reported to be confident in their chances of signing both of Europe’s brightest talents.
Another interested party is Manchester City with Pep Guardiola keen to bolster his squad with a recognised striker.
What do we know about his Dortmund contract?
Haaland joined Dortmund in January 2020 after his £17.1m release clause was matched and he signed a four-year contract.
According to German newspaper BILD, within that contract is another release clause that stipulates Haaland can be purchased for a fee within the region of £63m but that needs to be activated before 30 April this year.
While the transfer fee is relatively low for the player, his wage and agent bonus is likely to be huge. His salary at Dortmund is reported to be close to £120k a week but The Times reports that is set to dramatically increase to £500k should he join Manchester City.
BILD‘s Christian Falk has reported Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, will demand €40m (£34m) to complete the deal.
TRUE
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) August 25, 2021Mino Raiola demanded a wages of €50m/year for Erling Håland from @ChelseaFC this Summer, in addition to agents fees of €40m
Who is in pole position?
At the time, it seems Manchester City lead the race to sign Haaland.
The Times reports Dortmund expect him to join City while others say it is a choice between Manchester or Madrid.
According to Spanish insider Guillem Balague, both clubs, alongside Barcelona, have agreed the finances are now trying to convince Haaland of their vision.
Balague says that Haaland wants to play in La Liga at some point in his career and City used this as part of their negotiations.
“The timing and circumstances actually play in favour of City a bit,” Balague said.
“The way City approached it was also to say ‘you’re very young, have a few years here and then you can have Real Madrid in the future’.”
Madrid’s interest in Haaland is reported to have picked back up after the Spanish side became concerned with the Norwegian’s injury record. Marca say the club received positive medical reports in regards to Haaland.
Who needs him most?
City’s failed pursuit of Harry Kane last summer left them with a striker-shaped hole in the summer and while they still top the Premier League table, it does beg the question how far ahead they could have been if they had a forward the calibre of Haaland in their ranks.
Real Madrid have a star striker already in their team in the form of Karim Benzema but at 34 years of age, a succession plan needs to be put in place sooner rather than later. If the Bernabeu side were able to combine Haaland and Mbappe then they would have one of the most feared forward line in world football.
Despite the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the January transfer window, Barcelona are also in need of a star striker having failed to replace the goals of Lionel Messi last summer but it may prove difficult for Xavi and co to sell Haaland on their vision in comparison to the other two clubs in the running.
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