Borussia Dortmund chief and former player Sebastian Kehl is convinced Erling Haaland will remain at the Westfalenstadion beyond next summer.
The Norwegian sensation has naturally generated countless links to some of the continent’s most wealthy and historic clubs, not least Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a host of Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
His return of 70 goals in just 69 games for Borussia Dortmund is a staggering goals-to-games ratio that few in the sport could match, and at just 21 years of age, the towering sharp-shooter remains one of the hottest tickets on the market.
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BVB have consistently batted away suggestions of a possible departure for the Leeds-born marksman in the imminent future, but rumours continue to accelerate that he will follow in the footsteps of past stars, including Robert Lewandowski, Mario Gotze and Jadon Sancho, and part ways at some point.
Dortmund chief’s Kehl, who made nearly 400 appearances for the club during a 13-year spell, is now the latest to throw his weight behind the club’s unwavering stance that Haaland is not for sale, fending off purported interest from across the continent for their most-cherished asset.
He told BILD of Haaland: “Of course, we are trying to give him the feeling that Borussia Dortmund continues to be a top address for him and that he can still develop here.
“Maybe we can still convince him. We will fight for him. We will try everything. The decision has not yet been made, but I would bet €100 [on him staying].”
Kehl’s comments come after Dortmund’s CEO Hans Joachim Watzke talked up his relationship with super agent and Haaland’s representative Mino Raiola who, he insists, has his client’s best interests at heart and is not simply chasing the money.
“The ball lies in Erling’s court. I get on well with Raiola because we can assess each other well,” Watzke stated in September.
“I know what makes him tick. It is not right to believe that Raiola is all about the money. He also has in mind what is best for Erling.”