If reports from Spain are to be believed, Liverpool and every other big club on the continent could scramble to sign Erling Haaland in January.
It’s widely reported that Borussia Dortmund’s clinical hitman has a €75million (£65m) release clause in his contract and that it comes into effect next summer.
According to a report from Marca on Friday last week, the clause is effective from the minute the 2021 summer transfer window slams shut.
ALTACH, AUSTRIA – JULY 30: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund Looks on during the Preseason Friendly Match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Bologna at CASHPOINT Arena on July 30, 2021 in Altach, Austria. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
So in effect, Liverpool and any other interest clubs could trigger it as soon as Wednesday morning at 12:01 AM and sign him in January.
Of course, a club run as efficiently as Borrusia Dortmund would never sell a player like Erling Haaland in January unless they were able to sign someone a proper replacement in the same window.
But if Liverpool were able to sign Haaland, it would transform Jurgen Klopp’s side from one of the best sides in the Premier League to the best in England without debate.
Erling Haaland in a 4-3-3 is devastating
There were suggestions that Jadon Sancho’s big-money move to Man Utd would have an adverse effect on Haaland and his form and yet, the Norwegian already has 5 goals and 3 assists in 4 games this season.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MAY 22: Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund with the jersey of head referee Manuel Gräfe after his final whistle during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Signal Iduna Park on May 22, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund via Getty Images)
While Jota has been so good this season so far it seems a little harsh to talk about a team where he doesn’t feature but if Liverpool get the chance to sign Haaland, they should not hesitate to sign him.
A front three of Mane, Haaland and Salah would be devastating and I can’t imagine there are many defences in the Premier League capable of stopping all three from scoring.
Wages could prove to be a major problem
According to Christian Falk, Haaland’s agent, Mino Raiola, wanted Chelsea to pay €50m/year as well as a once-off agent fee of €40m so it’s understandable why the Blues wound up signing Romelu Lukaku instead.
That equates to €961,538/week (£82,3187/week) and if true, it’s impossible for Liverpool to sign Haaland on wages that high when the Reds could pay for van Dijk, Salah, Thiago and Alisson’s wages combined and have spare change.
