Haaland: Why I made transfer outburst

FT Desk

• 26 Jan 2022 16:00 CST
• 3 min read

Erling Haaland has explained why he made his recent transfer outburst that led to a very public war of words with his club Borussia Dortmund

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

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

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.

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.

Haaland’s comments led to a number of Dortmund figures hitting back at him.

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim 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."

And director Michael Zorc sniped: “Erling’s statements surprised us a bit.

“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 has now clarified why he originally said what he said.

What did Haaland say?

“My comments about being pressured by BVB? I felt it was time for me to say something”, Haaland told Jan Aage Fjortoft.

“A lot of others were speaking, so that was it. And now I really don't want to say too much more. What was said, was said, and we move on.”

Haaland is wanted by many of the big clubs in Europe, with Real Madrid considered the favourites to sign him this summer. Man Utd, Man City and PSG are also working on their own deals for the 21-year-old.