- 8 hours ago
Dortmund chief: Haaland will be with us for a long time
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
- 4 min read
Dortmund director Michael Zorc believes star striker Erling Haaland will be with the club “for a long time”.
The Norwegian has developed into one of the most devastating forwards in the world over the past 12 months, first with RB Salzburg and then with Dortmund after moving in January.
| Stat | 2019/20 | 2020/21 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 47 | 13 |
| Goals | 44 | 17 |
| Assists | 8 | 3 |
| Shots P90 | 3.9 | 4.6 |
| Dribbles P90 | 1.1 | 1.4 |
| Big Chances Created | 11 | 4 |
His magical form has continued into the 2020/21 campaign, as he has scored 17 goals in 12 starts over all competitions.
He recently surpassed the great Ronaldo for the amount of goals scored in the Champions League, despite being just 20-years-old.
His performances have naturally led to speculation that he could leave the club in the near future, with every other elite team under the sun linked with a play for his services.
Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, Bayern, Juventus, and PSG have all been mentioned at one point or another.
However, Zorc has played down suggestions of an exit.
Haaland: snapshot
“We plan for the long term with Erling. [Rumours] do not have to be dealt with at all,” Zorc said before Dortmund’s Champions League match against Club Brugge.
“I will see him with us for a long time.”
When asked if Dortmund had a job on their hands to alleviate any pressure from Haaland’s young shoulders, Zorc shot that question down, too, saying the club are nothing but encouraging to the player to reach his potential.
“You don’t have to ground him at all,” the club sporting director said.
“He exudes such a positive dynamic. Why should we slow it down now?
“He is leading the way, that is very good for us. I do not believe in artificially slowing positive developments.”
Dortmund are currently second in the Bundesliga, one point behind reigning champions, Bayern.
