Manchester City’s interest in signing Erling Haaland in the summer has been widely reported for the past few months and also backed up by Borussia Dortmund officials.
BVB advisor Matthias Sammer admitted last month he is aware the Citizens are looking at the striker. The German club’s official revealed he “fainted” after getting to know about the proposal that the Premier League side are planning to offer the 21-year-old.
A report from Sky Deutschland states Pep Guardiola’s side have emerged as the ‘favourite’ in ‘recent weeks’ to sign the Norway international. In addition to this, they are currently in ‘pole position’ to take the former Red Bull Salzburg man in the next window.
His arrival at the Etihad would make the frontman one of the stars at the club and he would have a ‘very good chance of a lot of playing time’. It’s further claimed the opportunity to play under Guardiola should ‘appeal to him’.
Although Manchester City are leading the transfer chase, Sky state Real Madrid are still in the running for Marco Rose’s man.
Recent claims have indicated the reported €75m release clause in Haaland’s contract is valid until the end of this month. Sky says there is a buyout clause, but it is ‘not recorded in the normal standard contract, but in an extra contract’.
“The exit clause does not expire at the end of April. It lasts longer. It can also be even more [than €75m]. That depends on various factors,” Sky expert Marc Behrenbeck said.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Kehl, who will be Dortmund’s new sporting director from July 1st, has ruled out renewal talks with Haaland.
“There is nothing on the table at the moment,” Kehl told VG.
When asked whether his side are ready to plan next season without Haaland, Kehl said: “Erling has done an excellent job at Dortmund, but I am not ready to answer that.”
