Transfer News: Chelsea told what is needed to get Erling Haaland
Speaking on Sky Sports Transfer Centre, German football expert Raphael Honigstein (h/t football.london) spoke about Chelsea transfer target, Erling Haaland, and stated that clubs would have to smash their wage bills to land him.
The Blues are pursuing Haaland this summer as they look to strengthen their attack. Earlier this week, a report from The Express, as covered by AStamfordBridgeTooFar, even mentioned that the Blues are ready to pay a £154.5m fee for him.
But Honigstein mentions that clubs would have to ‘smash’ their wage bill if they want the Borussia Dortmund striker at their club. Haaland is one of the top strikers in Europe and has the potential to transform a club’s attack all by himself.
“There is a possibility but it’s unlikely at this point because the price tag is so big. There is also a huge wage bill implication for whoever gets Haaland. They’d have to smash their wage bill and I think a lot of clubs are wary.”
An uphill battle for Haaland
The journalist went on to mention that Haaland could be snapped up next summer as well due to a release clause which is now an ‘open secret’.
“Haaland is available next season for a fairly reasonable €75million (£64.4million) – that’s not official but it’s a pretty open secret. Whatever happens this season, it would really have to force Dortmund’s hand in a way that they can’t say no. I think that could be even beyond the wealthiest clubs in Europe this summer.”
Timo Werner was a regular under Thomas Tuchel this season but was not at his prolific best. With Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham lined up for potential exits (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea could use a striker.
More Chelsea News:
- Transfer News: Chelsea favourites to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa
- Chelsea plot Tammy Abraham swap to reduce Erling Haaland price tag
- Izzy Brown set for Preston North End after Chelsea release
Haaland is one of the top strikers in Europe and has the stats to prove it. He had 41 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund this season and is a striker that can change the fortunes of a club all by himself with his goals.
