Erling Haaland comments on his Borussia Dortmund future

Erling Haaland has been the focus of much transfer speculation going into this year’s summer transfer window, but that’s no surprise to anyone. The Norwegian international is coming off of a season where he scored 41 goals in all competitions, the striker’s best return yet since becoming a professional. Those sort of numbers were always going to attract interest from clubs around the world, and looking back at Mino Raiola’s “Haaland tour” in April, it only added fuel to the fire that a move could potentially materialize.

Despite this, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and Sporting Director Michael Zorc have both been very clear on the club’s stance regarding Haaland, and that is that he will be a BVB player next season. The football world has already witnessed how stubborn Dortmund can be when it comes to a player they say they are keeping, and this should be no different in Haaland’s case.

It would seem that Haaland has reaffirmed this to a degree in an interview he sat down for with Jan Aage Fjortoft via Viaplay Fotball, where they discussed the importance of Champions League football and Haaland’s contract.

Haaland put it rather simply when asked about how important Borussia Dortmund qualifying for the Champions League was for his future in stating that he is a big fan of the Champions League, and that it was both a relief and extremely important that they secure a spot in next years rendition of the competition.

The questions then moved to his contract situation and how he felt about Borussia Dortmund saying he will play for them next season. Haaland’s response to this was also rather direct, with the Norwegian stating that:

"“Well, I have a contract for a couple of fine years, so I am respectful towards my contract.” – Erling Haaland, Viaplay Football"

While many have already begun to read between the lines and speculate on what Haaland is trying to say here, I think it’s pretty clear that there isn’t any hidden agenda in his statement. It is a simple affirmation of what Zorc and Watzke have been saying from the start: Haaland will play for Borussia Dortmund next season.

While Haaland’s statements won’t due much to quell the maelstrom of rumors that will continue to circulate this summer, they do underline that he will in the least not be attempting to force a move this summer. With Haaland’s release clause set to kick in next summer, he will be spoiled for choice when it comes to clubs lining up for his signature. For him, and for his entourage, there is no real rush. For this summer at least, Dortmund hold all the cards, and only an unimaginable sum of money would be enough to pry away their star striker.