Recent reports from Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo suggest that Manchester United are keen on signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland in the ongoing transfer window as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems set to add to his options in the striker’s department.
The Red Devils are considering a player-plus-cash deal for Haaland, which could, in turn, see Anthony Martial go the other way.
“For the attack at Old Trafford they also dream of Haaland and even considered including French attacker Anthony Martial in the operation with Borussia Dortmund, for whom he paid 80 million Euros to Monaco years ago.” – The translated version of the report stated.
Haaland’s Amazing Season At The Signal Iduna Park
Erling Haaland has been a huge hit in Germany, following his €20 million move to Dortmund in December of 2019. He carried on his goal-scoring success in his Champions League campaign last season as he was the second teenager to score ten goals in the competition. He even won the Golden Boy award. Furthermore, he played an integral role in Dortmund’s route to winning the DFB Pokal, scoring 3 goals in four outings over the course of the campaign.
The 21-year-old managed to put up some awe-inspiring numbers on the board in the last term as he averaged 1 goal, 3.3 shots, 1 key pass, 1.1 key dribbles per 90 minutes in the German top flight. Often known for his sublime finishing skills, athleticism, pace, acceleration and off the ball movements, he was named ‘The Terminator’ by his admirers.
Mission Impossible For Solskjaer?
With just 7 goals in thirty-six appearances across all competitions, Anthony Martial turned out to be Manchester United’s flop of the 2020/21 season. As a result, various reports state that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lost patience with the 25-year-old, and he is now looking to offload him for a fee of around £50 million.
Edinson Cavani had a brilliant first season at Manchester United, but given his age, it’s highly unlikely that the gaffer will rely on him to lead the line for his side week in week out next season.
19-year-old Mason Greenwood has to develop a bit before he seals his spot in United’s starting eleven.
Given the circumstances, a new striker would be a good move. However, Dortmund have made it clear time and again that they will not part ways with the Norwegian international in the ongoing transfer window, and with Jadon Sancho’s departure confirmed, it seems even more unlikely.
At 21, Haaland has a lot to offer, and it’s beyond any doubt that he’ll improve with each passing game. The board should definitely go ahead with the deal in the next few weeks because, given the cut-throat competition, it might be impossible to sign him next summer.
(Stats from WhoScored)
