Dortmund chief confirms which La Liga club is ‘very interested’ in Haaland

The in-demand Norwegian striker has a host of suitors waiting in line ahead of 2022.

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has confirmed Real Madrid are ‘very interested’ in signing Erling Haaland.

The 21-year-old’s prolific form in Germany has created endless reports of interest across Europe, particularly from Spain in La Liga clubs Real Madrid and Barcelona.

He even stirred rumors last Wednesday by appearing to wave goodbye to Dortmund fans at Signal Iduna Park, although the club’s director of football, Michael Zorc, later played it down.

However, while eager to keep Haaland, Watzke is aware Dortmund face stiff competition to hold on to their prized asset.

“All I know is that Real Madrid are very interested in him,” Watzke told Bild. “I could name 25 others now, but with Real I know for sure.

“I think he would fit in better in Spain. A different kind of football is played in England. I am not so skeptical that he will stay with us.

“[Haaland’s agent Mino] Raiola and I had a good talk not so long ago. When we arrive at the end of negotiations, the conversations are always quite friendly. That phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another conversation in the next few weeks. If Haaland stays with us, there may be more euros for him.”

Haaland waves to all four ends of Dortmund's stadium: Was it a goodbye? Does the Norwegian expect it to be the last time he plays at the ground as a Dortmund player? @Helle66221114 pic.twitter.com/L1TgrDfx6l

— Manuel Menacho (@ManuelMenacho0) December 16, 2021

Could Haaland stay at Dortmund?

While under contract at Dortmund until 2024, Haaland has a reported €75 million release clause that will become active next summer.

Reports have also linked Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City to the Norway international.

“To be honest: I don’t know,” said Watzke when asked if BVB can keep the striker at Signal Iduna Park next season.

“Of course, we would like him to stay in Dortmund over the summer. We don’t have to give him up, not even for economic reasons.

“You know that under certain conditions, he has the opportunity to change. We will certainly hold talks with him in the next few weeks in order to have more planning security.”