Real Madrid Transfers: Dortmund are playing hardball with Erling Haaland

There is this narrative that Erling Haaland will be easier for Real Madrid to acquire than Kylian Mbappe, and while I do agree with that belief, I think it is important for Madridistas to reframe the situation. Haaland isn’t easy to acquire either. Looking at the clubs interested in Haaland and Dortmund‘s own record with transfers, it will take some careful maneuvering from Florentino Perez to secure this wonderful striker.

Real Madrid have a few things going for them when it comes to Haaland. The player seems keen on joining Los Blancos, and Dortmund’s struggles in the Bundesliga could prevent them from qualifying for the Champions League. And that would make Haaland more achievable. 

But BVB are known for setting their price and sticking to it. They are excellent at creating bidding wars, calling the bluffs of top clubs, and getting exactly what they want.

According to Sky Sport Germany’s Max Bielefeld, Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc recently said on Sky that the club’s “intentions” are “very clear”. They do not wish to sell Erling Haaland this summer.

Real Madrid may have to pay the full 150 million for Erling Haaland

And this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this refrain from Dortmund. Of course, they have him under contract and the 75 million euro release clause isn’t active until 2022. So what Zorc says is not baseless. It is, however, not ultimately the be-all, end-all, because Haaland can push his way out if the team does not make the Champions League next season. On top of that, BVB know they can make much more than 75 million if they sell this summer, since Haaland has been incredible.

Fabrizio Romano chimed in on the situation, reporting that Dortmund do indeed want to keep Haaland around for another season. And in order to be swayed into selling him, they want at least 150 million euros.

The Black and Yellows are clearly playing hardball, and they know they can do it. They know they have to. Because teams cannot pick up on Dortmund losing any sort of leverage. They need the money, and Haaland wants to go. I am sure they are open to selling him. But they want to get absolute top dollar for such an incredible young player, and the only way to do that is to create a sense that they do not need to sell.

Manchester City, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and maybe a few others will be involved. Those are the three favorites, with it likely coming down to a bidding war between City and Real. Dortmund have gotten their price before, so it could very well take the full 150 million to pry away Haaland.