Varun Pai
Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl hands blow to Manchester United in Erling Haaland race
Speaking in an interview (h/t The Sun), Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl is confident of retaining Erling Haaland next summer despite his reduced release clause and interest from Manchester United.
The Norwegian sensation is putting up ridiculous numbers in front of goal and has gone from strength to strength during his almost-two-year stint at the Bundesliga outfit.
There was interest in the player earlier this summer, but the German club managed to keep a hold of him. However, he is believed to become available next summer with a release clause worth £64million coming into play.
Premier League duo Man United & Chelsea are interested in procuring the player at the end of this season. The Red Devils could be without Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard next season as they might depart on the expiry of their respective contracts.
Moreover, Cristiano Ronaldo will turn 38 six months from next summer, and a young hungry forward like Haaland could do wonders for the Old Trafford outfit. However, they have now been handed a blow by Dortmund head of football, Sebastian Kehl.
The club chief revealed that they are confident of keeping the former RB Salzburg star at the Signal Iduna Park next season, and given that they sold Jadon Sancho for £73million this summer, they do not need any sort of cash injection.
“Of course, we are trying to give him (Haaland) the feeling that Borussia Dortmund continues to be a top destination for him and that he can still develop here. The decision has not yet been made, but I would bet €100 (£85) [on him staying].”
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The 21-year-old has excelled in the Bundesliga over the last two years, but there is no telling the kind of ambitions he has for himself. Although Dortmund might hold their ground on the player, United could present the prospect of winning silverware year-in and year-out and playing with some of the best players in one of the most competitive leagues in world football.
