Hans-Joachim Watzke: Erling Haaland will play for Borussia Dortmund next year
By Tushar Bahl
Hans-Joachim Watzke has stated once again that Erling Haaland will stay at Borussia Dortmund beyond the end of the season.
Erling Haaland’s future has dominated headlines in recent weeks, with reports heavily linking him with a move away from Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all thought to be interested in signing the striker.
Even Borussia Dortmund’s continued insistence that Haaland will not be sold this summer under any circumstances has not stopped the speculation. Now Hans-Joachim Watzke has reiterated that the 20 year old will stay at Borussia Dortmund next year. In an interview with SportBILD, the BVB CEO said that he is completely relaxed about the situation.
"When asked about how many clubs can afford to sign Haaland, Watzke said:“Your assumption is already fundamentally wrong. Because there are no conditions from us at all. I have a clear expectation that Erling Haaland will still be playing for us next year. And I am not worried about anything else.”"
Watzke also compared the situation to last year, when Manchester United were interested in signing Jadon Sancho. The BVB bosses said time and time again that Sancho would not be sold, but speculation continued to persist until the transfer deadline day. In the end, Borussia Dortmund held firm on their stance and Sancho was not sold.
"“I am really totally relaxed. Nobody believed us with Jadon Sancho last summer until deadline day that he would stay, and he’s still here today.”"
Watzke also spoke about Mino Raiola’s trip to Spain, which Haaland’s agent took last month to hold talks with Real Madrid and Barcelona officials about a possible transfer. The 61 year old confirmed that Borussia Dortmund were informed about the trip in advance.
"“For one, he had informed us in advance. On the other hand, it’s clear that Erling will leave us at some point – just not so soon. We also know that such flights are always a matter of self-marketing with Mino Raiola.”"
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Haaland, who has scored 53 goals in just 56 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, has three years left on his contract. There is said to be a release clause in his contract which will come into effect at the end of next season.