Erling Haaland has hit out at his current employers Borussia Dortmund for ‘pressuring’ him to make a decision on his future
The Norwegian is football’s hottest property right now and is wanted by the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Dortmund, however, are hoping they can fight off all these big clubs and keep the striker who has been in incredible form for them this season. As a result, the club has demanded that the 21-year-old make a decision about his future in order to help them plan ahead.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke told German sports outlet Ruhr Nachrichten: “He [Haaland] is a spontaneous person, a young lad. He’s allowed to do that [make his decision].
“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.”
Haaland, however, wants to concentrate on his football this season and on achieving something with Dortmund. But the statements from Watzke seem to have gotten to him, leading to him declaring that “things will happen now”.
Respect for club kept me silent, Haaland says
Speaking to journalists after scoring twice on Friday night in Dortmund’s 5-1 win over SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, the Norwegian ace said: “All I want to do is to play football, but Dortmund press me to make a decision now about my future…so that means I have to make a decision soon.
“They have started to put a lot of pressure on me and I have to accept that.
“I have chosen not to say anything out of respect for the club and the fans.
“But now that a lot of pressure is coming from the club, so it is the time to get things started. It means things will happen now.
“I have said from the beginning I want to focus on football because that’s when I am at my best. Not when other things come into my mind.”
Haaland further stated that he is still focused on football and winning with Dortmund this season.
Clubs have already started contacting Haaland’s representatives, Mino Raiola and Alf-Inge Haaland and some reports claim that some of these clubs are looking at sealing a transfer as early as the current winter window. However, Dortmund CEO Watzke made it clear that the 21-year-old will finish the season at Dortmund.
Watzke said to German outlet Der Spiegel on the issue: “Who would give one of the best strikers in Europe away in the winter market if they didn’t have to?
“He will not leave in January. Dortmund is still in three competitions and we want to compete with the best teams.
“Of course it’ll be difficult to retain him. However, we want to and we’ll try. Haaland will not leave in January, but in summer it will be difficult to keep him.”
