Haller to Man Utd: The other clubs fighting for Ajax striker’s transfer

Robin Bairner

28 Apr 2022 09:34 BST
3 min read

Sebastien Haller, Ajax, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United have emerged as a major contender to sign Ajax striker Sebastien Haller this summer.

Article continues under the video

The Frenchman has been difficult to ignore this season thanks to his prolific goalscoring exploits. He has netted 20 times in the Eredivisie – creating seven more – while it was in the Champions League he was really eye catching as he scored an incredible 11 times in eight matches as Ajax reached the knockout stages.

Man Utd have been linked with a move for the former West Ham No.9 off the back of the arrival of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, who will take command of the team in the summer and will have a major say in transfer policy.

The presence of the Dutchman will not necessarily be decisive in the race for Haller’s signature, with the 27-year-old linked with leading clubs all over the continent.

Bayern Munich

With the future of Robert Lewandowski uncertain, Bayern Munich will be analysing strikers who could potentially arrive and fill the boots of the Poland international forward. According to a report from Goal, Haller is one of those forwards who could sign.

However, for this deal to be brokered, it would likely require Lewandowski to complete his rumoured switch to Barcelona first.

Borussia Dortmund

One club even likelier to be in the market for a striker this summer is Borussia Dortmund, who will surely lose No.9 Erling Haaland due to his €75m release clause. Haller is being examined as one potential replacement, according to The Sun.

Erik ten Hag laments ‘unbelievably annoying’ Sebastien Haller squad error at Ajax — © ProShots

Inter

Inter are another club who will be on the lookout for another attacking option this summer, with Lautaro Martinez’s name closely associated with a number of other sides.

Haller, though, is not the Nerazurri’s priority. Instead, they are focusing more closely on Gianluca Scamacca of Sassuolo. He is of a similar physique to the Frenchman and as the bonus of being a player still approaching his peak years.

Milan

There is ample interest in Haller from San Siro, with Milan also closely monitoring the forward. Divock Origi is already heading for the Italian outfit but Haller would provide an alternative No.9 more versed to playing and performing on a weekly basis.

While Haller, then, is on the shortlist of plenty of clubs, the Ajax striker appears to be a priority for none, making the transfer race for him this summer open and unpredictable, and giving Manchester United just as good a shot as anyone of completing a deal.