Hans-Joachim Watzke confirms Real Madrid’s interest in Erling Haaland but leaves striker’s future open
By Tushar Bahl
Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed that Real Madrid are among the clubs interested in signing Erling Haaland. But he hopes that the striker will stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another year.
Erling Haaland’s future has been a big talking point for many months now, with some of Europe’s biggest clubs interested in signing him. Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed that Real Madrid are one of the clubs in the race for the striker’s signature. But the Borussia Dortmund CEO is still hopeful that he will stay at the club beyond the end of the season.
Watzke appeared on BILD Live on Sunday and said that staying at Borussia Dortmund for a little while longer would be beneficial for Haaland’s development.
"“No matter where I go, everyone talks to me about Erling Haaland. I only know for a fact that Real Madrid is very interested in him.”“It may be that he goes, but it may also be that he stays. I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola a few days ago. And this phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another conversation in the next few weeks.”“The focus is on the overall development of Haaland. Just like with Lewandowski, I would also like to be proud of Erling at some point if he eventually wins the Champions League. Personally, I think it will do him good if he stays in the Bundesliga for a bit longer.””In the end it’s like this, either he stays, then we are happy, or he says he has decided that he wants to do something else.”"
Haaland has developed into one of the world’s best strikers since joining Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg in January 2020. He has scored 76 goals in just 75 appearances for the Black and Yellows.
Haaland still has three years left on his Borussia Dortmund contract. And the BVB bosses have maintained that they are not under any financial pressure to sell him at the end of the season. But the 21 year old’s contract reportedly contains a release clause which will become active in the summer.
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In addition to Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris St. Germain and Chelsea are also said to be interested in signing Haaland. Borussia Dortmund will hold talks with the Haaland camp in the coming weeks and months. And there will likely be some clarity on his future after that.