In-demand Erling Haaland storms off after Dortmund draw

Emmet Gates

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:42 CDT
• 4 min read

Erling Haaland, a summer transfer target for a host of top clubs, was visibly frustrated as he stormed off the pitch at the end of Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw against Cologne.

Cologne, struggling in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table, overturned a one-goal deficit after Haaland had scored early in the match on Saturday.

MORE NEWS: Guardiola: Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world

The hosts turned the contest around to go 2-1 ahead, before Haaland equalised in the last minute to save Dortmund’s blushes.

At the end of the game, Haaland threw his shirt to one of the Cologne players, Jorge Mere.

He then marched straight down the tunnel, clearly frustrated with how the game had gone despite his late strike.

The frustration shown by Haaland is unsurprising.

Dortmund are struggling in the Bundesliga, despite being in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

They have won four of their last 11 league matches.

They currently lie outside of the top four, and are now four points behind Eintracht Frankfurt – who won 5-2 against Union Berlin – in the battle for the last remaining Champions League berth.

Should they fail to qualify, it would increase the chances of Dortmund having to contemplate Haaland’s exit from the club for financial reasons, with top clubs circling.

Haaland nearing Man City test amid links

Among other clubs, Haaland has been heavily linked with a move to Man City next season.

City are looking for a long-term replacement for out-of-contract star Sergio Aguero.

Pep Guardiola was asked about Haaland recently, with the two clubs set to clash in the last eight of the Champions League.

“The numbers speak for itself,” said Guardiola.

“He’s one of the best strikers in the world right now at his age. 

“I saw a few games, I didn’t have much time but the highlights, the numbers in the Champions League and the league are impressive. 

“I know the quality of this player, everybody knows. In two weeks I could answer better because I didn’t see much.”

With Guardiola saying he would watch closely in the coming weeks, Haaland would have impressed the Man City boss with his two-goal haul.

The tie with Man City represents his biggest test yet and a transfer audition for Europe’s elite.

Asked whether he would like to sign the striker, Guardiola was reluctant to divulge much.

“He’s a player from Dortmund,” said the City boss. “I don’t like when people talk about our players. You understand I cannot answer this question.”

After his latest double, Haaland has scored a ludicrous 33 goals in 31 games in all competitions this season.

Before they face Man City, it is a huge Bundesliga clash against Frankfurt up next for Dortmund after the international break.