Transparency in football is still opaque. The release clause for Erling Haaland was lower than the €75million Borussia Dortmund had briefed and Manchester City suggested the overall cost, including commission and a signing-on fee, was £85.6 million.
City officials were dealing with Mino Raiola before he passed away on April 30 and even on his deathbed, there were few negotiators more skilful.
Dortmund previously had their pants pulled down by Raiola. Haaland's potential was renowned when he signed from Red Bull Salzburg for €20m in late December 2019. He had pillaged eight goals in six Champions League group games and Manchester United had attempted to sign him. The release clause was a knockdown and Haaland then emerged to poach a 23-minute hat-trick on his debut.
