Haaland 'ready' to move on from Dortmund, says Matthaus

Erling Haaland might be enjoying a prolific stint in the Bundesliga but Lothar Matthaus says it could be time for the youngster to move on.

Despite spending less than two seasons in the Bundesliga, Lothar Matthaus can already see Haaland departing Borussia Dortmund soon.

The youngster moved to Signal Iduna Park in January 2019 after taking the world by storm with his exploits at RB Salzburg as a teenager.

Haaland fit in at Dortmund like a duck in water and scored a hat-trick within 23 minutes of his debut at the club. He also ended the half-season with 16 goals across 18 games in all competitions for the German giants.

The Norwegian has carried his brilliant form into the current season with 17 goals to his name from 14 games across all competitions.

However, he remains out with injury at the moment and is expected to return in January.

As expected, his prolific form has seen him linked with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent times.

Kroos' agent Volker Struth: "I wouldn't say no to Haaland. He's very special, both as a footballer and personally. He's also young. Maybe you still play with him, Toni. He'll make his way. Real Madrid is another level."
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) December 17, 2020

Matthaus says the youngster is perhaps ‘ready’ to move on for a new challenge.

“Erling Haaland is a win not just for Dortmund but for the entire Bundesliga,” Matthaus said as quoted by Goal.

“At the age of 20, he is a machine. He is a flying striker. He brings a positive energy to the team while also scoring goals. He is irreplaceable.”

“Erling Haaland is regarded at Dortmund like Robert Lewandowski is at Bayern: the player upfront who is not only responsible for the goals but in charge of dragging the team with him. He is a leader at the age of 20.”

“That says a lot and on top of that, he knows what he needs to do. He works defensively as well, something I really enjoy seeing Robert Lewandowski do as well. He is not one to just stay forward. His mannerisms as well, for a 20-year-old, to not only think of himself but of his team.”

“This positivity that he radiates, radiates on the team which is why I think that someday, Haaland will not be playing at Dortmund anymore and will make the next step. He is already ready and we are proud to have him in the Bundesliga.”

“Dortmund need to be pleased to have gotten him because he is a striker that fits to a club with such emotions.”