Erling Haaland is said to have turned down Manchester United’s interest this summer because he feels the Red Devils ‘could not match his goals.’
When he leaves Borussia Dortmund, the world’s most in-demand striker has ruled out a move to Old Trafford, which is a harsh assessment of United’s current state.
After scoring 80 goals in 83 appearances for the Bundesliga giants since signing from Red Bull Salzburg in January 2020, Haaland, who has a £63 million release clause, is desired by a number of Europe’s top teams this summer.
Manchester City are reportedly willing to make the Norwegian the highest-paid player in England, and the Premier League winners are frontrunners in the battle for the 21-year-old star forward, as Sportsmail revealed last month.
Despite being strongly connected with United when he joined Dortmund due to ties to former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, it appears he will not be coming to Old Trafford this summer.
Haaland’s advisors have notified United that he would not be transferring there because they ‘cannot match his objectives,’ according to ESPN.
United are in severe need of a striker as they close in on an agreement to sign Ajax manager Erik ten Hag this summer.
According to reports, the Red Devils have warned Haaland’s camp that they will match any cash offer made by City or any other interested team.
However, spokespeople for the Norwegians assured United that the quality of the’sporting project’ will take precedence, and Haaland’s decision will not be based on financial gain.
Man City and Real Madrid are the frontrunners, with both usually fighting for domestic titles and in the Champions League’s latter rounds, whilst United has an uphill battle to place in the Premier League’s top four.
Haaland is also claimed to be keen to continue his development and believes that under Pep Guardiola, his game would reach new heights.
However, it’s alleged that Haaland’s United’s rejection came before they were on the verge of hiring Ten Hag, so it’s unclear whether the chance to play for the highly-rated Dutchman will persuade him to change his mind.
Last week, Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke stated that any offer made by Man City for Haaland would be unbeatable for the Bundesliga club.
Personal terms have been discussed with the Premier League leaders, with Haaland expected to become the biggest earning in the league, with a weekly salary of around £500,000.
‘I’ve stopped judging rumors in the media.’ Otherwise, my day would have to be 36 hours long,’ Watzke said in an interview with Sport Bild.
‘At this time, we don’t have any specific information from the player side, and no one has approached us.’ However, if Manchester City comes in for Haaland, we will be unable to keep up financially.’
Karim Adeyemi of RB Leipzig has been connected with the job of replacing Haaland at the Westfalenstadion.
This season, the 20-year-old has scored 19 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions, but he has played down the rumors.
Haaland Contract with Dortmund
According to The Times, Borussia Dortmund is expecting star forward Erling Haaland to join Manchester City in a deal that would make him the Premier League’s highest-paid player.
According to the Times, Haaland’s agents have met with Manchester City executives to discuss a wage package worth more than £500,000 per week.
Haaland’s Dortmund contract extends through June 2024, but he is said to have a €75 million ($98.6 million) release clause. Haaland’s father, former Man City star Alf-Inge Haaland, is likely to earn a €30 million euro commission fee on a rumored transfer, according to German source Bild, while agent Mino Raiola is slated to earn a €40 million euro commission.
Erling Haaland Stats
| TEAMS | MP | Goals | Assist | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundesliga | 61 | 56 | 17 | 4.855′ |
| Eliteserien | 39 | 14 | 5 | 1.979′ |
| Champions League | 19 | 23 | 3 | 1.463′ |
| Bundesliga | 16 | 17 | 6 | 1.061′ |
| OBOS-ligaen | 16 | – | – | 422′ |
| DFB-Pokal | 7 | 8 | 1 | 581′ |
| NM-Cup | 6 | 2 | – | 258′ |
| Europa League Qualifying | 5 | 4 | 1 | 406′ |
| ÖFB-Cup | 4 | 4 | – | 174′ |
| DFL-Supercup | 2 | 1 | 1 | 157′ |
| Europa League | 1 | – | – | 4′ |
| UEFA Youth League | 1 | – | – | 60′ |
| Total | 177 | 129 | 34 | 11.420′ |
