Dortmund CEO gives update on Haaland’s contract situation amid Chelsea interest

Borussia Dortmund set to initiate talks with Chelsea target Erling Haaland for a renewal

According to an interview on Amazon Prime Sport (h/t Football.London), Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has hinted that they would be beginning renewal talks with Erling Haaland in the ‘next few weeks’ amid interest from Chelsea. 

Erling Haaland remains one of the most talented youngsters in the world of football. Despite suffering a hip injury this season, the 21-year-old player has bagged 17 goals and four assists in 13 games. His goal-laden seasons clearly make him a long-term option up front for many of Europe’s top clubs.

Even though the Norwegian striker’s current contract is set to end in 2024, a clause in his deal could bring his release clause extensively lower this summer. As some Elite teams lie in wait for an opportunity to lure him, it could become a threat for BVB. 

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has acknowledged the situation and has hinted that they would soon start the renewal talks with the former RB Salzburg and Molde player. 

“I think we will speak in the next few weeks.”

The BVB Chief also hinted that the situation hasn’t reached a moment where they would be under pressure to get an agreement over a renewal deal. However, he also agreed Haaland’s future would hugely depend on the player’s decision and the advice of his agent, Mino Raiola. 

“We have no pressure to negotiate because we don’t necessarily have to extend the contract.”

Watzke also talked about the release clause and suggested that they would only approach Haaland next summer to get his verdict on the clause. 

“The question is: does he trigger the clause or does he not? But we will try not to find out until March or April.”

Dortmund getting into early contract talks with the youngster could be a problem for Chelsea. The Blues have been tracking the situation and are looking for loopholes. Even though the arrival of Romelu Lukaku silenced the links in the summer, they haven’t dropped the interest in the Norwegian. 

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The Blues are thriving with the help of solid team performance but our forwards are not really the most prolific men in the league right now. The recent injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have played a part in that but being a top team contending for all the prestigious silverware, the West Londoners would need someone like Haaland to put fear in the opponent’s defence. 

Being one of the best strikers in Europe right now, Haaland would not be the cheapest signing Chelsea make or the lowest-earner on the club’s wage bill. But whatever the amount that we dish out for him- if we actually do intend on signing him and open negotiations- then the Blues faithful would largely agree that it would be money well spent.