Watzke: Borussia Dortmund under no pressure to sell players amid Haaland, Sancho rumours
By Tushar Bahl
Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that Borussia Dortmund will not be under any financial pressure to sell any players this summer, even if they miss out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. In an interview with DAZN, the Borussia Dortmund CEO said:
"“Because of our existing credit lines, we can say: No matter what happens this season and the next, we don’t have to apply for a loan, make any emergency sales or layoffs. We are under no pressure, which is a good starting position in this day and age.”"
Watzke also spoke about the futures of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho, who have been linked with moves away from Borussia Dortmund in recent months. The 61 year old reiterated that they have no plans to sell Haaland this summer.
"“We do not have a parallel plan. We will talk to Erling, his father and his agent Mino Raiola,” Watzke said. “After all, we also want him to be happy to stay with us, to score goals for BVB next year with conviction. There is no alternative plan.”“Jadon Sancho has been with us significantly longer than Erling Haaland. We will also have to talk to Jadon. If there is an exceptional offer, then we will discuss it with the player and his agent, as always.”"
Haaland still has more than three years left on his current contract with the Black and Yellows. While Sancho’s current deal expires at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Watzke also said that he does expect too many big money transfers to take place this summer, as a result of the financial losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"“I am very sure that the transfer market will be very limited this summer as well. Especially with the really big clubs, you can see what wounds Corona has inflicted – and they are not small ones that heal within two weeks.”"
A number of big clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are said to be interested in signing Erling Haaland. His agent Mino Raiola and father Alf-Inge Haaland traveled to Spain to hold talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona officials regarding his future last week. But Borussia Dortmund have ruled out the possibility of the 20 year old leaving the club this summer.
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Jadon Sancho was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer, but the Premier League side failed to meet Borussia Dortmund’s demands and the transfer did not go through. It remains to be seen if they will make another attempt to sign the England international this summer.