Hans-Joachim Watzke: Borussia Dortmund do not have to sell players this summer
By Tushar Bahl
Hans-Joachim Watzke has reiterated that Borussia Dortmund will not be under any financial pressure to sell their star players this summer, even if they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The Borussia Dortmund CEO has also warned clubs interested in signing Jadon Sancho or Erling Haaland that there will be no negotiations when it comes to transfer fees.
In an interview with the BBC, Hans-Joachim Watzke said:
"“When Covid-19 struck, we had no debt. Not one euro. Because of that, it is a comfortable situation. We do not have to sell a player. That is important.”“The rich clubs in the world, they must know when they want a player from Borussia Dortmund there are two possibilities. The first is that I tell them they have no chance. Other times, I will tell them ‘this is the price’. Then they must know this is the price. It is not another price.“We are very clear. We are very honest.”"
The BVB bosses have been adamant that they will not be selling Erling Haaland this summer. Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola has also been informed of this stance. The 20 year old still has more than three years left on his contract, so the Black and Yellows aren’t under any pressure to sell him this summer.
Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Haaland in recent months. And while Watzke does get tired of hearing all the transfer rumours, he knows where the striker will be playing his football next season.
"“I do get tired of it,” Watzke said.“Last summer, everybody in England, everybody in Europe, every journalist told the public ‘Jadon Sancho will play for Manchester United or wherever’. But he is still playing for Borussia Dortmund.”“Now everybody writes ‘Erling Haaland will next season play for Real Madrid or for Barcelona, or for this or this’. The only way is to look after 1 September at where he is playing. I think I know where he will be playing but that is all I have to say.”"
Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola made waves earlier this month by traveling to Spain to discuss the Norwegian international’s future with officials from Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. But Watzke shares a good relationship with the agent, and does not have any problems with his tactics.
“Mino is a special guy. He wants to make the best deal for his player. That is his work. I know Mino very well. Mino knows me very well. We have no problems. Everybody knows what the other wants to do.”
Watzke has also hit out at Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who claimed last week that Borussia Dortmund are able to sign talented young players because they pay a lot of money to agents.
"“In the last five years they have spent nearly one billion euros on new players,” Watzke said on Manchester City and Guardiola. “In five years. Who has the possibility to make this? He has not to criticise other clubs.”"
Next. Four players who left Borussia Dortmund too soon. dark
Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City face off in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday evening.