Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke revealed that a $94 million or 75 million pound euro release clause had been included in striker Erling Haaland’s contract because of Premier League side, Manchester United. 

Speaking to 19:09 Talk, the Bundesliga club CEO said, “We gave Erling Haaland a release clause… otherwise he would have gone to Manchester United.” 

The Norwegian pro has a deal with the Signal Iduna Park until 2024 but the release clause could be triggered for Haaland to leave during this summer window. His departure has been on the cards with numerous top-flight clubs showing an interest in the forward, hoping to trigger the release clause and obtain Haaland at a relatively moderate price, considering some of the recent transfer tags. 

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The Spanish side Real Madrid was initially interested in Haaland, but the Los Blancos have shifted focus to Paris Saint-Germain’s French speedster Kylian Mbappe, leaving PL side Manchester City to pounce on the opportunity. 

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, who’s been successfully managing City has reportedly shown an interest in Haaland, and the transfer would see the Norwegian at the same club where his father featured during his football career. 

However, the real reason Haaland has a release clause in his contract was to prevent an immediate move to United. When he came to Dortmund from RB Salzburg in January 2020, United was managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Haaland’s compatriot, and the man who’d given the player a start for Molde. 

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Thus, it was expected Haaland would either leave for United from Salzburg or complete a short time at Dortmund before moving to play for the Old Trafford side. Thus, a release clause was inserted that could be activated in two and a half years’ time, giving the professional a way out of a long deal with no exit strategy. 

Watzke also spoke of the need to replace Haaland when he departs, saying “He has a decision to make, it will come eventually. But I’m sure we’ll find the new Haaland. We need the new Haaland.”