BUNDESLIGA THE UGLY
However, just as Bundesliga clubs are making major financial decisions, the league could break a transfer record this summer. Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Braut Haaland looks set to be the transfer story of the summer with his future looking increasingly uncertain as Marco Rose gears up for a bidding war. Despite an injury disrupted campaign, Haaland’s incredible goalscoring figures have continued to impress across Europe, with Manchester City and Real Madrid the two main players in a possible tug-of-war. Haaland’s Dortmund contract includes a €75m release clause, which is activated at the end of 2021/22, but Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke is certain to play hardball over his star asset. Watzke has openly confirmed his knowledge of clubs interested in the former Red Bull Salzburg man, but neither he, nor the club, are under any pressure to sell. A €75m release clause is likely to be the start
‘DORTMUND CEO HANS-JOACHIM WATZKE WILL PLAY HARDBALL OVER HAALAND SALE’ Barcelona and Liverpool-linked Bayer Leverkusen star has revealed that Lionel Messi is his role model. The 18-year-old has been one of the breakout performers of the season in the Bundesliga, with his success not going unnoticed by suitors such as the Blaugrana and the Reds. "I actually had a few posters hanging in my room, [like] Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembele and Aubameyang, for example," Wirtz told Sky Sport Germany. "My first jersey, however, was Messi's Argentina jersey. "
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SOCCER360 MAY • JUNE 2022
of Haaland’s transfer saga with Dortmund able to push the figure beyond €100m if needed. Regardless of whether both City and Real Madrid stay in the race past the €100m mark remains to be seen, with Kylian Mbappe’s future playing a role in Haaland’s next move. If Haaland departs, he is almost certain to break the €105m record of Ousmane Dembele’s 2017 move to Barcelona, but the escalating list of additional costs could sour prospective buyers from a making a firm offer. A minimum of €90m is expected to prise him away from Dortmund, as a base fee, with performance related add-ons totalling around €10m. But the addition of Haaland’s father, Alf Inge, and agent Mino Raiola, into the mix, could make or break a deal, with the pair in line to receive around €30m each. In total, alongside a five-year contract of more than €40m annually, a bloated deal, in excess of €350m could put the breaks on even the financial juggernaut of City, unless a compromise is reached.
FAR LEFT: Haaland unbelievable form has put him on the radar of every major European side ABOVE: Coach of Dortmund, Marco Rose LEFT: Watzke is confident of holding the key cards in any possible Haaland sale TOP & BOTTOM LEFT (OPPOSITE PAGE): Werder Bremen players in action and celebration TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT (OPPOSITE PAGE): Stuttgart seem set for relegation
Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben completed his first marathon, which he described as "not fun" while admitting "I made it, but that's about it!". Robben enjoyed an illustrious 21-year playing career with spells at Groningen, PSV, Chelsea and Real Madrid before joining Bayern in 2009, where he won eight Bundesliga titles and the Champions League. Robben was one of the thousands to take part in the annual Rotterdam marathon. The 38-year-old completed the race alongside former Olympic speed skater Erben Wennemars, posting a respectable time of three hours, 13 minutes and 40 seconds.
