BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S chief Michael Zorc has boasted he has never seen a striker who can rival Erling Haaland’s quality.
The Norwegian wonderkid, 20, is enjoying a terrific campaign with a whopping 31 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions this season.
Top clubs are in a transfer tug-of-war to sign 20-year-old star Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
A staggering 10 of those have come in just six Champions League appearances.
His goalscoring exploits are seeing him linked with a host of clubs across Europe including Manchester United, Man City and Real Madrid.
Clubs will battle tooth and nail for Haaland’s signature this summer, with the knowledge that he has a £65million release clause that comes into effect in June 2022.
Zorc is determined to keep their crown jewel beyond this season and knows qualifying for the Champions League with a top four finish is the best way of making that happen.
Zorc told German newspaper Welt am Sonntag: “I have never seen someone like him. We can search Europe-wide.
“If he ever left us somewhere, there would only be a handful of clubs, but we’ll try to keep him as long as possible for sporting reasons.
“We don’t want to play in the Europa League on Thursdays. We want to give our calling card in the Champions League.”
Although Dortmund booked their spot in the last eight of the Champions League, they are struggling in the Bundesliga.
Michael Zorc claims Dortmund must finish in the top four this seasonCredit: Getty – Contributor
They currently sit fifth, two points adrift of Eintracht Frankfurt who occupy fourth.
Failing to qualify for Europe’s most elite competition could force Dortmund to cash in on Haaland.
Dortmund may look to sell Haaland for £90m this summer – a healthy profit on the £19.5m they paid for him from Red Bull Salzburg.
Man City are believed to have already made initial contact with Dortmund over a potential transfer as Pep Guardiola looks for Sergio Aguero’s long-term replacement.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Erling Haaland screams ‘UNLUCKY’ in Sevilla keeper’s face after penalty drama before Dortmund star is chased down
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
