Pretty emphatic.
Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has dismissed suggestions that the club might be required to sell Erling Haaland next summer in order to resolve their financial situation.
There have been claims that because the German outfit are listed on the stock exchange, they need to raise funds so that they can pay investors.
However, Watzke has dismissed these claims as ‘bulls***’, stressing that the decision to sell the Norwegian striker would be completely their choice.
“It has not yet been decided whether it will really leave in the summer,” he told Sport 1.
“We’ll just have a look. I heard someone say, ‘They have to sell Haaland because they are listed on the stock exchange’. This is all bulls***.
“The decision whether someone is sold at our company is made by the management and only by the management.”
#BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke on Haaland’s future: "It has not yet been decided if he will really leave in the summer. I heard someone say: 'They have to sell him because they are listed on the stock exchange.' This is bullshit. (…) Erling holds the keys." ⚫️🟡 @ErlingHaaland
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) September 26, 2021
The German also insisted that he has complete trust in Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola, stating that there is a misconception about his obsession with money.
“The ball lies in Erling’s court. I get on well with Mino Raiola because we can assess each other well,” Watzke said.
“I know what makes him tick. It is not right to believe that Raiola is all about the money. He also has in mind what is best for Erling.”
Haaland – who is believed to have a £77million release clause that comes into effect from next summer – is said to be open to the prospect of leaving Signal Iduna Park, with the prolific frontman reportedly considering joining one of six clubs: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Juventus.
Although the 21-year-old’s release clause would represent a hefty outlay for a player who is still so young, it could also prove to be one of the best value-for-money moves for one of Europe’s most deadly finishers.
Despite much speculation about his future, the Norwegian has made an incredible start to the season – scoring 11 goals and grabbing four assists in eight games across all competitions.
Related links:
- ‘Riled’ Ronaldo sent Rio Ferdinand Whatsapp during on-air Mbappe-Haaland debate
- Linesman criticised for asking for Erling Haaland’s autograph after Man City game
- Mino Raiola demanded Erling Haaland be paid £820k per week to join Chelsea
