Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United facing Sebastien Haller transfer fight as Borussia Dortmund register interest in Ajax Amsterdam ace
According to The Sun, Manchester United will need to battle Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming transfer window for the signature of Ajax Amsterdam striker Sebastien Haller, with both clubs looking for goal scoring options in the summer.
Haller has been a revelation for Ajax since his move to Holland from West Ham United, becoming their go-to man for goals. The Ivorian has effectively led the line for the team in the Eredivisie as well as the Champions League.
He was considered to be a flop at West Ham, with the 27-year-old failing to live up to his tag as the club’s record signing and unable to find the back of the net regularly. He lasted less than two years in London, before he found his form again in the Netherlands. With 33 goals in 39 appearances, he has been nothing short of prolific this season.
The 27-year-old rediscovered his scoring boots while playing under Erik ten Hag in Amsterdam. With the Dutchman moving to United in the summer to take over as the Manchester side’s new manager, the striker has been linked with a move back to the Premier League and team up with his boss once again.
Replacement for Haaland
However, Dortmund are also said to have entered the transfer race to secure his signature at the end of the season. The Bundesliga club seem resigned to the fact that they will lose forward Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window, and have identified Haller as his replacement.
Although the Red Devils are also rumoured to be keen on signing Haaland, the Norwegian’s £64m release clause and £500k-a-week wages make him an expensive option. With Haller available for around £35m, he would prove to be a cheaper target.
It is not secret that United are on the market for a new striker ahead of the new season, given how poor their current crop of forwards have been this campaign. Edinson Cavani and Marcus Rashford have not contributed to the goals this term, with the former always injured and the latter in terrible form and confidence on the pitch.
The re-signing of Cristiano Ronaldo last summer has proven to be a mixed bag when it comes to our increasing our goal output, with the Portuguese star blowing hot and cold all season long. After starting his second spell at Old Trafford in fine form, he has waned in his performances in 2022.
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Although there may be doubts about Haller’s ability to play in the English top-flight after failing to make an impact with West Ham, the presence of ten Hag at United may calm the nerves and allow him to flourish.
Dortmund’s interest cannot be ignored however, as they are sure to move quickly in the transfer market if they lose Haaland. This could turn out to be a transfer merry-go-round ahead of the new season, and it will be interesting to see where Haaland and Haller end up in the end.
