Haaland war of words continue amid Madrid, Man Utd & City links

Carlo Garganese

16 Jan 2022 18:45 GMT
3 min read

The war of words between Erling Haaland and Borussia Dortmund continued on Sunday as sporting director Michael Zorc hit back at the striker.

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The problems started on Friday after Dortmund’s 5-1 win over Freiburg, in which Haaland scored twice.

In his post-match interview, Haaland complained that he was being pressurised by the club to make a decision over his future.

What did Haaland say?

Haaland told Viaplay Fotball: “Borussia Dortmund are now pushing me to make a decision about things… but I just want to play football.

“That probably means that I will soon have to get things started. I never spoke until now to respect the club.”

Haaland has a contract with Dortmund that has a minimum fee release clause of around €75 million inserted in it that becomes active at the end of the season.

© ProShots - Haaland has a minimum fee release clause that is activated this summer

Recent reports have suggested that the Norway wonderkid will be offered lucrative terms from Dortmund in order to sign a new deal, which is designed to ensure that they get what they might consider a fair price for him. It could also potentially keep him at the club for another season.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke was quick to respond to Haaland’s words.

Watzke said to Ruhr Nachrichten: "He is a spontaneous person. He's allowed to do that. There is no problem with Erling. But he must also have some understanding for our situation. We can't wait until the end of May."

What did Zorc say?

And now, Zorc has continued the war of words.

“Erling’s statements surprised us a bit,” the Dortmund sporting director told Kicker.

“There is currently no deadline, no deadlines, and there have not even been any discussions. But that we want and have to have talks at some point is clear, understandable and only professional.”

Haaland is wanted by virtually every major club in Europe. Real Madrid are considered the favourites to sign him this summer but Man Utd, Man City and PSG are also working on their own deals for the 21-year-old scoring star.