Erling Haaland: The video clip that helped decide January’s biggest transfer saga, according to Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund’s fanbase is one of the main reasons that Erling Braut Haaland chose the club over Manchester United in January, according to their sporting director.

Haaland was one of the hottest properties in the winter transfer window after an excellent start to the 2019/20 campaign with Red Bull Salzburg.

Why did Haaland join Dortmund? Five things to know…

• Erling Braut Haaland signed for Borussia Dortmund from Red Bull Salzburg in the winter transfer window.
• He was also heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
• Reports claimed the Man Utd move fell through due to issues with Haaland’s agent.
• But Mino Raiola reveals it was Haaland’s choice to join Dortmund.
• And, according to Dortmund director Michael Zorc, a video of the club’s fans helped in the decision.

Having fired himself into the mainstream in the summer, scoring nine goals in one U20 World Cup game for Norway, Haaland continued his goalscoring form in club football.

The 19-year-old scored 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg across all competitions, including eight in the Champions League group stages and five hat-tricks.

His performances earned interest from the likes of Dortmund and Manchester United, with the latter at one point looking favourites to secure Haaland’s signature. The teenager, born in Leeds, had never shied away from expressing his interest in playing in the Premier League, though there were reportedly disagreements with agent Mino Raiola when a move was discussed. However, his agent has since come out and described the decision as “well-considered”.

Haaland eventually signed for Dortmund and has made an equally emphatic impact for the Bundesliga club. Making his debut away to Augsburg, Haaland came off the bench to score a 34-minute hat-trick, helping Dortmund come from behind to win 5-3. He has since gone on to score braces in his past two Bundesliga appearances plus another in the DFB-Pokal, totalling eight goals in four games.

And, according to Zorc, it was a video of Dortmund’s ‘Yellow Wall’ that helped Haaland make his decision to join the club.

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“He seemed to like it,” Zorc told Sport Bild of the video.

“We had to reach high to sign Erling and it’s no secret that other well-known clubs were working hard to get him.

“I was like a little boy (when he spoke with Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola on Christmas Eve to confirm the deal).

“This combination of robustness, quality of finishing, good technique and his speed makes Erling special. In our first conversations there was already a positive atmosphere and we both felt good. Erling and BVB – it fits 100 percent.

“[He also has a] tremendous personality and that suits Borussia Dortmund, our stadium and our fans. That is what defines our club and is exactly what Erling was looking for. Such an atmosphere inspires him – he explodes on the pitch.

“Nevertheless, we will ensure that expectations do not rise immeasurably.”