Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that it will be ‘difficult’ to keep Erling Haaland at the club beyond January despite ruling out a winter departure.
The Norwegian has been linked with a number of prominent clubs throughout Europe following his stunning form at the Signal Iduna Park.
Chelsea have been noted as an admirer, whilst Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also thought to be contenders for his signature in the future.
The race for his signature is certainly set to intensify over the next few weeks, with the transfer window having opened. It is also reported that there is set to be a significant race for Haaland, with his release clause apparently set to drop to just £68m.
Speaking to German outlet Der Spiegel, Watzke has suggested that it will be tough to convince the Norwegian to stay with the Bundesliga outfit, but has ruled out the prospect of a January sale.
He said: “Haaland will not leave in January. No way. Who accepts to sell top European striker during the winter break when they don't have to?
“Next year? Of course, it will be difficult to keep him. Nevertheless we want to and we’ll try.”
Haaland has once again been in stunning form for Dortmund throughout the current campaign.
He has scored 19 goals in just 16 outings in all competitions for the club so far this season despite having suffered with injury.
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The 21-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on the original deal he signed when arriving from Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.
Whilst Chelsea remain contenders for his signature, it appears that there is no lack of interest from the Premier League, with title rivals Manchester City having made him one of their priority signings ahead of the summer window. According to The Athletic, the Sky Blues already have a meeting pencilled in with the Norwegian’s representatives regarding a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium.
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