Is Haaland a realistic transfer target for Liverpool?
Stefan Bienkowski
- 21 Dec 2021 16:14 GMT
- 3 min read
A number of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
Real Madrid remain the favourites, alongside Manchester City, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
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However, according to Sky Deutschland, one of the main contenders for Haaland’s signature is none other than Liverpool.
The German broadcasters believe the Anfield side will be in the market for a new No.9 by the time Haaland is ready to leave Dortmund and are undoubtedly a club that would intrigue the striker.
Haaland would suit Klopp’s style
Perhaps the most notable advantage Liverpool have is the enticing prospect of working under Klopp.
And former Anfield defender, John Arne Riise, believes that in itself should urge the club to spend whatever it takes to sign Haaland.
"Obviously I would love to have him at Liverpool, because he’s an unbelievable player," Riise said in an interview with Goal. "He’s in great form, and I think he would suit [Jurgen] Klopp’s style of football. I also think he would love Liverpool as a club.
Whoever gets Haaland, whether it’s next season or whatever, is going to be an unbelievably strong team for many years to come.
- John Arne Riise"But if [Manchester] City got him, wow! You talk about unbeatable teams, then that would be close!
"Whoever gets Haaland, whether it’s next season or whatever, is going to be an unbelievably strong team for many years to come.
"I don’t know if Liverpool have the chance to sign him, but if they do then please do, because that would be unbelievable for the club - or for any club that signs him!"
Could Liverpool sign Haaland?
While few would doubt that Haaland could certainly improve Klopp’s side, the economics of such a move are hard to justify ahead of the summer transfer window.
If the Dortmund striker does indeed have a release clause in his contract, it will mean Haaland will likely go to the club that can offer him the highest salary and the greatest route to silverware.
Liverpool could certainly make the case that they’re one of the best teams in the Premier League and in Europe, but they still can’t afford to match certain super clubs around the continent when it comes to offering obscene wages.
However, that doesn’t rule them out entirely. If the Anfield side do decide to move on from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Haaland could be offered an enticing contract and a key role in Klopp’s rebuild.
Whether that’s more inciting than a move to Madrid, Paris or even Manchester remains to be seen.
