What makes Erling Haaland’s future a fascinating mystery is that all of the best clubs in the world have been closely monitoring Borussia Dortmund star with an eye on his release clause, which will come into effect this summer at the end of the club season. Here’s everything you should know about what lies ahead of Haaland, Dortmund and his suitors.
How much is his release clause?
It is around the €80 million range, which converts to $90.3 million. The exact figure is kept in Borussia Dortmund’s private documents as the club does not intend to disclose to public. Whichever club makes an attempt to pry the Norway international, who turns 22 in July, out of Dortmund will have to add much more money. Aside from the release clause being triggered, what suitors must consider bringing to the negotiating table:
- Commission for his agent Mino Raiola.
- World-class wages that rivals some of the highest-paid players.
- Add-ons and bonuses for victories and other achievements.
Craving even more from the world’s game? Listen below and follow ¡Qué Golazo! A Daily CBS Soccer Podcast where we take you beyond the pitch and around the globe for commentary, previews, recaps and more.
What about Raiola?
The first message that arrived loud and clear from Mino Raiola himself is on the management of the Norwegian’s future. If Borussia Dortmund and their managers continue to hope to keep Erling for another year with an ambitious project, Raiola made it clear last week with his comments that “the next step is a matter of time” for Haaland. Above all, he confirmed that this was already part of “Erling’s career planning,” which is a reference to the clause Haaland and his team put together in December of 2019 when he initially chose to go to Borussia Dortmund despite being targeted by several clubs when he left Red Bull Salzburg.
Does Champions League exit play a factor?
This time around, it seems as if Dortmund’s Champions League elimination hasn’t helped their cause because Haaland has always expressed interest in playing at the highest level of competitions. The German side crashed out of UCL in the group stage and was relegated to Europa League where it will play Rangers in the knockout round play-off, which you can stream on Paramount+.
Despite the disappointing outcome for someone who wants to be winning Champions League trophies, it should be highlighted that Haaland has great respect for Borussia Dortmund. His relationship with the club and fans is excellent, as is with his coach Marco Rose. It’s then safe to say that for those reasons outlined, Haaland, who’s an exemplary professional, intends to give his best until the end of the season with the club in all competitions.
Which teams might be in the race?
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City were the clubs mentioned by Raiola for Haaland’s future, though he did eventually clarified his comments and left the door open for more suitors.
Barcelona: The financial situation for Barça does not help, but Raiola’s relationship with president Joan Laporta is excellent. The agent, for those reasons, has not excluded the Blaugrana outfit from this sweepstakes. It certainly won’t be easy for Barça to pay whatever the price tag may be for his services, but they’re still considered into the race by Raiola.
Real Madrid: Club president Florentino Pérez has prioritized Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé for months and will continue to work on bringing him to the Bernabeu with great intensity. But that’s not to say that Pérez has not been following the Haaland situation for years. His meeting with Raiola and Haaland’s father Alf-Inge Haaland in Real Madrid’s training complex in Valdebebas last May should not be forgotten.
Bayern Munich: FC Bayern will have to come to grips and make a final decision on Robert Lewandowski and his contract before they can proceed any pursuit on other forwards. There is a serious chance that Lewandowski stays, but Bayern will show due diligence on their approach in case the Poland international makes a surprise exit this summer.
Manchester City: The relationship has never been “unforgettable” between Raiola and Pep Guardiola as the two have exchanged verbal jabs in the past … but Man City are one of the clubs Erling’s father, Alfie, played for. And above all, they will be looking for a striker in the summer. Will they target young future stars such as Haaland or Fiorentina’s Dušan Vlahović, or will they make another attempt to land Tottenham Hotspur veteran Harry Kane? Time will tell, no decision has been made yet.
Paris Saint-Germain: They should not be forgotten in the context of a crazy summer, in which anything could happen for the strikers — starting with Mbappé.
Will this be resolved in January?
Beware of the timing factor when monitoring Haaland’s future. Don’t expect to see any decisions made now or in January or February. Haaland, his dad, Raiola and the rest of his camp will take their time to choose the best possible project. Economically speaking, the best financial offer will obviously play a factor, though they will give priority to the perfect landing spot for the next chapter in his career. There is no planning for a decision as early as January, despite the rumors. It will take time and it will be an important choice for Haaland.
