Erling Haaland has dismissed reports linking him with a huge £150m transfer to Chelsea this summer in news which will come as a big boost to the likes of Manchester United.
The 21-year-old Norwegian international has formed a reputation as one of the most feared forwards in the world, and he scored a sensational 41 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund last season.
Reports have touted him with a Premier League switch, and Chelsea’s interest was thought to be strongest, with the Blues allegedly lining up a massive offer which would make Haaland one of the most expensive players of all time.
(Image: Instagram @erling.haaland)
But when asked about the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge at Dortmund’s training camp ahead of the new season, Haaland played down the speculation.
“Before yesterday I haven’t spoken with my agent for one month,” he said. “So you have the answer. I hope it’s only rumours because it’s a lot of money for a person.
“I have three years left on my contract. I’m enjoying my time here. But of course the trophy (Dortmund’s DFK-Pokal win last season) was important because that’s what I want.”
Haaland’s words will encourage United, who are still thought to see the player as a long-term target, with next summer seeming a more realistic option to make a move.
And Haaland’s compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is clearly a big fan having previously worked with him at Molde.
“The boy has had a great start to his career,” Solskjaer said in December 2020. “It was really good to work with him, to see the potential in him and some part of me feels proud of having a little bit of input into such a rise.
“I’m sure Erling will score loads of goals in the Champions League.”
In February 2021, Solskjaer added: “When you have had kids and players through as a coach, you follow them and I keep in touch with Erling.
“It’s great to see him become the player he has become and [how] he works to improve all the time. He’s a Dortmund player – we just wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.
“You know I can’t speak about Erling because he’s at Borussia Dortmund, and it’s disrespectful to talk too much about it, apart from that I know him and I speak to him.
“Who wasn’t interested in him a year ago? Everybody would say you would take the best players in the world and Erling is a top player.”
