New Borrusia Dortmund forward Erling Braut Haaland has said that he joined the German club in the January window due to footballing reasons, refuting claims that his wage demands caused a proposed move to Manchester United to fail.
The 19-year-old, who has enjoyed a prolific start to his career in Germany, was a subject of a bidding war between United, Dortmund, Juventus and Red Bull Leipzig. He, however, joined the German side on a four-and-a-half-year deal from RB Salzburg in a deal worth around €20m.
Dortmund met the £18 million buyout clause in his contract and also agreed to share with his agent Mino Raiola and father, Alf Inge Haaland a significant share of the 19-year-old player’s future sales value. Haaland, who bagged 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg, penned a contract until 30 June 2024.
But the Norwegian, who has scored eight goals in just five appearances for Dortmund, has said that he joined Dortmund in order to develop his career, adding that the club gave him the feeling he wanted.
🚨@ErlingHaaland 🗣️JanAageFjortoft 🚨
❇️ Launched Dortmund as option himself
❇️ Says Solskjær was too late
❇️ Calls «greedy» label laughable
❇️ Thanks Mino Raiola for support https://t.co/IcwABs5rHd— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) February 13, 2020
Speaking to Viasport on about the rumours that his move to United failed due to his high wage demands, the 19-year-old dismissed the claims.
Haaland said: “No, it’s the guys writing would have to speak to that.
“They’ll have to explain it to me if they meet me. It’s not my focus whatsoever.
“It’s kind of comical if I were to get that label. All the people closest to me know that’s not the kind of person I am.”
Reacting to suggestions that he snubbed a reunion with his former manager Solskjaer, Haaland praised the United coach for contributing to his career success and development.
He said: ‘Ole has been very important for me in getting to where I am today. But we concluded that Dortmund was the best option for me.
‘That was where I felt best about, and therefore it became Dortmund.”
Haaland also defended his agent Raiola over claims that his failed move to Old Trafford was influenced by the Super agent, who looks set to secure a move away from United for Paul Pogba.
He added: “He’s the best in the world at what he does, as simple as that. He’s the best agent.
“He gets a lot of negativity, and that’s probably because he’s doing such a great job for those he’s working for. He has helped a lot and he’s a good guy to have around.”
