Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has name-dropped Manchester City when discussing Erling Haaland’s future at the club.
The Dortmund chief has admitted his side will not be able to compete with City when it comes to keeping Haaland this summer. Liverpool have also been linked with the forward.
Haaland has netted 80 goals in 82 games for Dortmund since joining them in the 2020 January transfer window from Red Bull Salzburg. That impressive form has resulted in the forward being linked with a host of top clubs around Europe.
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As well as Liverpool, the Norway international has also been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United over the past year. However, Red Bull Salzburg Sporting Director Christoph Freund claimed last year that Haaland 'will land' at Liverpool instead of United or Real if he leaves the German side.
Haaland is believed to be available this summer, and City are among the favourites to sign the Norwegian as they search for a natural striker. But Watzke is hoping to persuade Haaland to stay for another season, but has also admitted that his side can not compete financially with the Etihad club.
"I've given up judging media rumours. Otherwise, my day would have to have 36 hours,” Watzke said. "We don't currently know anything specific from the player side, nor has anyone approached us. However, we cannot keep up financially if Manchester City comes in."
The Dortmund chief then added: "We've seen it a few times: we lost Lewandowski to Bayern in 2014 and Aubameyang to Arsenal in 2018. We've always created a new star.
"If Haaland leaves, we will find another new talent and develop it into a star, and that will also do the Bundesliga good."
