Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed Manchester United's offer for Erling Haaland in December 2019 was higher than the BVB bid, while offering a fresh update on the coveted striker's future.
CEO Watzke has admitted Dortmund's policy of selling their top stars is part of their business model and will continue, amid interest from United, Manchester City and other English clubs in Haaland.
The 21-year-old Norwegian striker has plundered 70 goals in 69 appearances across Bundesliga and European games since signing for Dortmund from RB Salzburg in January 2020.
United were very much in the mix for his signature back then, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a long-term admirer of his fellow countryman — having managed him at Molde — and Watzke has revealed how the transfer saga unfolded.
“Our offer wasn't the best,” Watze told German media outlet Sport1.de." The offer from Manchester United was better. But consultant [agent] Mino Raiola has recognised that Erling is in better hands with us. "
That doesn't mean that United won't have another chance to land Haaland's signature next summer, however, with a well-documented £68million release clause in his Dortmund contract becoming active in June 2022.
Watzke suggested there would come a time when Dortmund did cash in on Haaland, as they did when selling Jadon Sancho to United — after a lengthy pursuit — in the summer.
“You also need hygiene in the cabin,” he added.
"That means: To believe that you will go all-in for Haaland and that all other players will stay as they are, then you will be wrong about the character of the players.
“The renewal process is permanent with us. At some point the best players are bought away and you start all over again. Developing a top European team over the long term is difficult if you can't keep your players for three or four years. We're not at this level yet."
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