Leipzig chief urges Chelsea to spend €175m for next Ronaldo

RB Leipzig’s technical director Christopher Vivell believes Chelsea’s top summer target can dominate football like Cristiano Ronaldo has done.

Chelsea would not be making a mistake by signing Erling Haaland for €175 million this summer, says Christopher Vivell.

Vivell, who worked with Haaland at RB Salzburg, knows the young striker well and reckons he can become the same dominant force that Cristiano Ronaldo has been in football for over a decade.

Since joining Borussia Dortmund from Salzburg in January 2019, Haaland has scored 57 goals in only 59 games. His brilliant performances have caught the eye of several clubs. Chelsea are the alleged frontrunners, having already approached the Norwegian’s club over a transfer.

Rumor has it that Chelsea could spend around €175 million, a figure even Haaland thinks is too much.

“When I look at the market and see who I would spend that much money on, he would probably be one of two,” Vivell told SportBILD about spending €175m on Haaland.

“If you can secure him now and pay that much for him, you’re not making a mistake because he’s still so young.

“On top of that, you have him under contract for five years, and Erling is already guaranteed something then.

“If he stays injury-free, he can dominate the next ten or twelve years like Cristiano Ronaldo.”

What does Haaland think?

The 21-year-old spoke earlier this week on the rumors and cooled talk of a €175m bid for his services.

“Before yesterday I hadn’t talked to my agent in a month… so you tell me,” Haaland said.

“But I hope they are just rumors, as €175 million would be a lot of money for one person. I have three years left on my contract [at Dortmund]. I’m enjoying my time here.”