Sebastian Kehl and AFC Ajax appear to have struck a deal after an on-again, off-again transfer dispute involving Sebastien Haller and the Borussia Dortmund administration.
Dortmund has been interested in Haller since he washed out their defence in the Champions League, and they regard him as the best player to replace the departing Erling Haaland.
€33 million is not a small sum, and for a player turning 28, such an outlay demonstrates Dortmund’s level of trust.
A move for Haller signals that Edin Terzic and Sebastian Kehl are searching for experience to lead the line and deliver guaranteed goals for a squad that normally pursues youngsters with room to improve.
Haller has been impressive at Ajax, scoring 21 goals in 31 league appearances, but his track record does not provide a whole picture.
Haller struggled with David Moyes’ West Ham approach, and needed a fresh system to flourish. Terzic must be convinced that his method will fit Haller in order for him to escape the same fate.
Moussa Dembele of Lyon has also scored 21 goals in 30 league appearances this season (his best season to date). One may claim that the French and Dutch leagues are also competitive. Nonetheless, while Dembele was on loan at Atletico Madrid, the system did not benefit him and he had little impact.
Maybe Dortmund is rushing into a deal for a guy who was good last year but hasn’t been consistent? It appears hazardous, and spending all of that money may cost Dortmund a transfer for David Raum, which would be a mistake!
Regardless, it appears like the huge Ivorian will be wearing black and yellow come August, and hopefully, he will be prepared to hit the ground running and gel well with his new teammates!
Lucas Alario – The Alternative
Lucas Alario of Bayer Leverkusen may be a short-term possibility for Borussia Dortmund as they attempt to replace Erling Haaland.
Following Erling Haaland’s departure to Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund’s primary goal for the summer transfer window is to sign a new striker. In recent weeks, a lot of names have been suggested in the Black and Yellows’ striker quest (like Haller).
Alario is viewed as a cheap short-term repair rather than a long-term replacement. Alario would be available for a transfer price of roughly six million euros due to a release clause in his contract.
According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the whole package to recruit the Argentine striker would cost roughly 15 million euros.
