RB Leipzig can’t compete with Man Utd and Juventus for Haaland, says chief

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has admitted they are unable to compete with the likes of Manchester United for the signing of Erling Braut Haaland.

Haaland, 19, has enjoyed a wonderful season with Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga this season, scoring 16 goals in 14 games so far. He has also added eight goals in six Champions League group stage games with only Robert Lewandowski scoring more.

His excellent goalscoring run has seen Haaland linked with a move away from Salzburg, with Manchester United, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund among those touted with interest.

Could Erling Braut Haaland join RB Leipzig? Five things to know…

• Haaland has scored 28 goals in 22 games for RB Salzburg this season.
• He has been linked with a move away in January, with Man Utd and RB Leipzig among those credited with interest.
• RB Leipzig had been the favourites for his signature as they are also owned by Red Bull.
• Naby Keita, Amadou Haidara and Dayot Upamecano are among others have swapped Salzburg for Leipzig.
• But Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff admits they cannot compete with the bigger clubs despite meeting with Haaland.

Born in Leeds and son to former Manchester City midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland, the 19-year-old striker has previously spoken of his desire to play in England — although he often talks about hometown club Leeds United.

Despite the likes of Man Utd, Juventus and others, many expected Haaland to move to RB Leipzig in the January transfer window given the links between the German club and Salzburg — both being owned by Red Bull.

Haaland would follow in the footsteps of Naby Keita, Amadou Haidara, Konrad Laimer and Dayot Upamecano among others in swapping Salzburg for Leipzig.

However, although Leipzig chief Mintzlaff revealed the club have met with Haaland, he admits they will struggle to match the bigger teams’ offers.

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

“Yes, we met with him. We are interested in the player, great interest,” Mintzlaff told Sport1, as reported by Sky Sports.

“He listened to it, logically, and is very open to a move. He would like to change (clubs) in summer at the latest.

“It is not easy. There’s Manchester United, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund. There are a few other clubs as well.

“Of course, our club also has certain guard rails and limits. And I have named the clubs that compete, and there may be salary regions that we don’t want to go into. (The fee) is still manageable, but the package does not only consist of the transfer fee.

“It’s the same cliche again: we can buy everything and we can get everything and we can do everything. Unfortunately, we can’t, otherwise, Haaland would already be with us.”