Advertisement

Erling Haaland to Chelsea FC: Borussia Dortmund braced for big transfer bid

 (ES Composite)
(ES Composite)

Borussia Dortmund are bracing themselves for Chelsea to make a firm move for Erling Haaland.

But the German club will deploy the same stance as they did when fending off Manchester United’s interest in Jadon Sancho last summer.

It will take a bid of £150million for the Norway striker to convince Dortmund to sell, with the club prepared to take a huge hit on his valuation by holding onto him for another 12 months.

Interested clubs can trigger a release clause in Haaland’s contract next summer, which could see him move for around £65m.

Dortmund were tipped by some to cash in during this transfer window to avoid missing out on a huge windfall, but instead remain adamant they do not have to sell.

That puts the pressure on Chelsea to smash the British transfer record if they are to land Thomas Tuchel’s no1 target in his bid to follow up Champions League success with the Premier League title next season.

Chelsea are exploring the possibility of signing Haaland but have no hope of convincing Dortmund to lower their valuation.

Watch: 6 Minute Full Body Strength Workout | Move At Home

United thought they could negotiate a cut-price fee for Sancho last year, believing the effects of Covid on the Bundesliga side’s finances would be a major factor.

Dortmund stood firm with their Sancho valuation of just over £100million and refused to back down. This summer they have accepted a bid of £72.9million after getting an extra year out of the England international.

Their preference is to keep Haaland for another season to boost their Bundesliga challenge and their hopes in the Champions League. But it is believed an offer of £150m would be too good to refuse.

Haaland is wanted by Europe’s leading clubs, with United and Manchester City among those also keen on him. The 20-year-old is believed to be open to the idea of a move to the Premier League.

there are doubts as to whether United could fund a move after the signing of Sancho, while City’s focus has switched to Harry Kane. Chelsea, therefore, could steal a march on both of them if they come up with a firm offer in the coming weeks.

Roman Abramovich has promised Tuchel significant funds to improve his squad this summer after handing him a new contract on the back of the Champions League triumph.

Tuchel has told the club’s hierarchy that he wants a top-class striker – placing Romelu Lukaku, Kane and Sergio Aguero among his targets ahead of the window.

Haaland would be a major statement of intent, but it is accepted that it will be a very difficult deal to pull off made all the more challenging with the player not expected to agitate for a move.

Sebastian Kehl, who will succeed Michael Zorc as Dortmund’s sporting director in 2022, said this week: “He’s in our plans. Erling is hungry. He feels comfortable with us.”

Tuchel’s approach to transfers is to draw up a profile of the type of player he needs, rather than just specific targets.

But he has made no secret of his admiration for Haaland, who was on Chelsea’s radar even before the German’s appointment in January.

Tuchel struggled to find the right balance in attack in his first months in the job, deploying Kai Havertz as a false no9 in preference to Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud.

He wants to address that next season after accepting Chelsea’s wastefulness in front of goal could cost his side in their bid to dethrone City.

Watch: 5 Minute Home Core Workout Without Equipment | Move At Home

Read More

Chelsea FC striker Olivier Giroud set to complete AC Milan move

Billy Gilmour: Chelsea FC midfielder completes Norwich loan move

Declan Rice rejects two West Ham contract offers amid interest from Chelsea FC and Manchester United

Timo Werner agent ‘can’t rule out’ Chelsea FC striker joining Bayern Munich in future

Transfer news LIVE! Haaland, Kane, Odegaard, Koulibaly; Arsenal, Chelsea FC, Man Utd, Spurs, Liverpool gossip today

Chelsea FC plan N’Golo Kante contract talks as Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Declan Rice interest rumbles on

Erling Haaland transfer ‘unthinkable’ for Bayern Munich in boost to Chelsea FC