Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke believes the pressure is on Paris Saint-Germain to progress from the UEFA Champions League last-16 showdown between the two teams, despite the Bundesliga side taking an advantage into the second leg.

The two teams will go head-to-head again on Wednesday in Paris, with Erling Haaland's brace in the first leg giving BVB a 2-1 lead at the halfway point in the tie. Neymar equalised for PSG on the night, meaning Thomas Tuchel's team at least have an away goal to show for their efforts.

Speaking ahead of the match, Watzke said he thinks Dortmund can approach the game with more freedom than their opponents, for whom expectations are much higher in the Champions League, per Footissime on RMC Sport (h/t Get French Football News):

"It is clear, PSG have much bigger financial means that Borussia Dortmund. I should have perhaps said that the state of Qatar has more means than Borussia Dortmund. And I know that their biggest dream is to win the Champions League. 

"For us, it would be super to get into the quarter-finals, but we do not have the same level of pressure as PSG. … The pressure will not be on our shoulders, but instead on PSG's shoulders. They have incredible attacking power, with five world-class players. That is why this tie still sits at 50-50."

It's been confirmed PSG will not have their raucous home crowd backing them on Wednesday, with the match set to be played behind closed doors because of the spread of the coronavirus. 

Get French Football News provided more details on who will be in attendance inside and outside the Parc des Princes:

Around 500 people will be present inside the Parc des Princes tonight to watch PSG vs Dortmund behind closed doors, including the Mayor of Paris & numerous representatives of both clubs, despite COVID-19 concerns. https://t.co/onVo7Mtovl

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 11, 2020

Paris authorities have given the green light for a group of up to 1,000 PSG fans, led by the CUP ultras, to gather outside the Parc des Princes tomorrow night to cheer their side on vs Dortmund from just outside the stadium. More follows.

— Get French Football News (@GFFN) March 10, 2020

The first leg was a memorable one between two attack-minded sides; amid a galaxy of goalscoring stars on the pitch at the Westfalenstadion, it was 19-year-old Haaland who seized the headlines:

The strike... The scenes... The SOUND! 🎚

We're still in awe of Haaland's second goal against PSG from the Round of 16 first leg 😍 pic.twitter.com/HZhVIu4beT

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2020

Overall, Dortmund deserved the advantage, as they were the stronger team on the night. In addition to the predatory instincts of Haaland, the speed of Jadon Sancho and the vertical raids of Achraf Hakimi caused big issues for the Ligue 1 team.

The onus will now be on PSG to respond on home soil. What will concern supporters is the team have frozen at this stage of the Champions League in recent years, suffering exits at the hands of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Typically, these types of encounters are tense affairs, although both PSG and Dortmund are at their best when they attack. Should the match become an end-to-end tussle, the home side should be confident the firepower they have can swing the tie their way.

Erling Haaland has said he "could have been much better" in the first leg of Borussia Dortmund's UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain despite scoring both the German club's goals in the 2-1 win on February 18. 

The return leg takes place at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday. BVB go into the match on a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions.

Haaland has scored four goals in that time to take his tally for Dortmund to 12 goals in just 10 appearances since joining the club in January from Red Bull Salzburg.

The 19-year-old is not getting carried away with his remarkable form, though.

Despite playing a key role in giving Dortmund a potentially crucial lead against PSG, he believes he could have done better in the first leg, and he was full of praise for the French club's star man, Kylian Mbappe, per France Football (h/t Goal):

"Yes, OK, I scored two goals, but I also made a lot of mistakes during this match. So let's say it could have been much better than that. 

"[Mbappe] is a fantastic player. It was the first time I played against him in the first leg. He has so much talent, and even more. He is an extraordinary player. Everything he did at his age and when you look at his record, it's completely crazy. He's a great player."

Dortmund last reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2016-17, when they were knocked out by Monaco.

In that same campaign, PSG suffered a humiliating last-16 exit to Barcelona despite having won the first leg 4-0.

They have also fallen at the first knockout round in Europe's elite competition in the two seasons since and are in danger of underachieving again after an underwhelming performance in the first leg against Dortmund:

FT: Dortmund 2-1 PSG

Haaland with a special strike to give the hosts a deserved win.

Messy PSG performance, particularly in midfield, while Neymar and Mbappe were both rather disappointing, despite the goal.

Tie in the balance - but big improvement needed.

— Robin Bairner (@RBairner) February 18, 2020

PSG's poor recent record in the Champions League is likely to prey on their minds on Wednesday, and that should play to Dortmund's advantage, especially if they can score the first goal.

The fixture is set to be played behind closed doors due to fear over the spread of the coronavirus:

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis, PSG v Dortmund will take place behind closed doors. pic.twitter.com/eLxDWV5sBm

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 9, 2020

As a result, PSG will be robbed of home support, but it will also prevent any negativity spilling from the stands should the hosts not start well. 

Alf-Inge Haaland, the father of Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, has said La Liga would be a "very good league" for the striker in the future. 

The young forward has enjoyed a remarkable 2019-20 season, shining for Red Bull Salzburg and then moving to Dortmund in January, where he has continued his blistering goalscoring form.

Speaking about his son's progress to AS, the former Manchester City and Leeds United midfielder said he's happy to see him performing well at Dortmund and discussed the competitions he thinks are best suited to the 19-year-old's skill set (h/t Rich Jones of the Daily Star):

"I am very happy for him and Borussia Dortmund, although for me the most important thing is to keep growing as before.

"Dortmund told us that they needed someone like him and that the goal is as high as possible. He is [at] a team that fights for the Bundesliga and is growing in European competitions. It is perfect to continue training. 

"We were linked to more than 100 teams, but it is true that the Spanish is a very good league for my son, with great teams. You never know if he will play in Spain. What has to happen, will happen."

Manchester United were strongly linked with a move for Haaland in January, but he opted to join Dortmund.

Goal also mentioned Real Madrid as suitors for the Norwegian. Haaland's Sr. was asked about the forward's relationship with compatriot Martin Odegaard, who is on loan at Real Sociedad from Madrid.

"My son loves to play with Martin; he is a great footballer," he said. "They understand each other very well on the pitch."

Per Bleacher Report's Dean Jones, the German club is developing a reputation for bringing in some of the best young players in the game:

Dortmund know a player when they see one...
After signing Sancho, Reyna and Haaland, Bild say they are now clear favourites to sign 16-year-old Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City.

— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) March 4, 2020

Having excelled with Salzburg in the Austrian top flight, with 16 goals in 14 games this season, Haaland has had no issue adapting to German football. He's made four starts and three substitute appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring nine goals.

It's in the UEFA Champions League where he has made a his mark, though, with 10 goals in the competition already this term. The most recent two came in a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain, with this stunning long-range strike proving to be the winner:

The strike...
The scenes...
The SOUND!

Enjoy Erling Haaland's spectacular winning goal vs PSG from every beautiful angle 😍 pic.twitter.com/4OhGho3TaM

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 19, 2020

In all competitions, the forward has already amassed an amazing total for the 2019-20 season, outgunning some of Europe's biggest names in the process:

40 goals this season for Erling Haaland 🙌

That's more goals than Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Neymar and Lewandowski 🤯 pic.twitter.com/noIftAThcD

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 22, 2020

Should he continue to score at such a remarkable rate, Haaland will continue to be linked with some of the biggest clubs around.

While he has already reportedly interested a Premier League giant in Manchester United, it would be no surprise if some of Spain's biggest outfits were looking closely at him too.

However, his father is pleased with his son's situation at Dortmund, and it's difficult to see the youngster moving anywhere in the short term as a result.

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly set to beat Manchester United to the signature of Birmingham City youngster Jude Bellingham. 

According to ESPN's Stephan Uersfeld, the 16-year-old has long been a source of interest for the Bundesliga outfit, whose training facilities he recently made a visit to, and he has also been linked with the likes of United and Bayern Munich.

Sport Bild (h/t Bundesliga writer Manuel Veth) reported details of his proposed move to BVB:

#BVB are on the verge of signing Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham. The club and the player have agreed terms and Dortmund are expected to pay €35m for the 16-year-old (Sport Bild) #BCFC

— Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) March 4, 2020

Dortmund's current record signing is Mats Hummels, whom they re-signed from Bayern last summer for a reported €30.5 million (£26.7 million).

According to Uersfeld, Dortmund are likely to sign him in a similar manner to the way they landed Jadon Sancho from Manchester City in 2018, when they are believed to have paid a training compensation fee of €7 million (£6.1 million).

Uersfeld added that while compensation for Bellingham is likely to exceed the payment for Sancho, it won't be as high as €35 million (£30.6 million).

Constantin Eckner of football analytics company Spielverlagerung believes he'd still be worth it if it was:

If Borussia Dortmund sign Jude Bellingham, that would be a tremendous move, even for a fee of 35m. He is a incredibly talented winger now, but could easily end up in central midfield down the road if he continues to develop the way he did this past year. #BVB

— Dr. Constantin Eckner (@cc_eckner) March 4, 2020

Wednesday's FA Cup clash with Leicester City would have provided a good opportunity to see how he fared against Premier League opposition, but manager Pep Clotet is set to rest him, per TalkSport's Tom Ross:

Blues boss Pep Clotet is leaving out Jude Bellingham for game at Leicester - says Jude has played over 30 games and is fatigued and needs a rest ahead of Saturday - says he has a responsibility to look after young players. #BCFC

— Tom Ross (@thegoalzone) March 3, 2020

Clotet is a huge admirer of his young charge, though. Clotet said in October: "He can go forward as well, he can defend, he is very complete and despite being only 16 he handles the physicality of the midfield very well."

The teenager has split his time this season between both flanks and central midfield, scoring four goals and assisting three in 34 games in all competitions.

He's made 31 of those appearances in the Championship, starting 24 of them. 

Per WhoScored.com, he has won 72 of the 100 tackles he's attempted and made 31 blocks and 21 interceptions. He has also created 20 chances and completed 32 successful dribbles.

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has said it is flattering for other clubs to be interested in him.

The 19-year-old also praised Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the impact he has had on his career.

Speaking to FourFourTwo (h/t Goal's Chris Burton), Haaland was asked about the interest shown in him by United and Real Madrid.

"It's always nice when clubs are interested," he said. "It means you've done something right."

Haaland scored 20 goals in 50 games while playing under Solskjaer at Molde in their native Norway before the coach left to replace Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford in December 2018.

"I arrived at Molde as a young kid, and he helped me a lot," Haaland said. "He was a good finisher and helped me with striking skills and different finishing methods. He's been important in my career."

The teenager also revealed his admiration for Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

🗣 Haaland: “I like Ibrahimovic's mentality and how he sees different things.

“I also like how he moves from one club to another, in another country – which isn’t easy – but he always comes in and just bangs in goals, from the first second. I liked seeing that." pic.twitter.com/N0qciDT7Qd

— GOAL (@goal) March 2, 2020

Ibrahimovic, 38, has scored 459 goals in 750 games at club level since he left Malmo as a youngster in 2001, having played for Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and L.A. Galaxy.

Despite his age, Haaland is already at his fourth club. He joined Molde in 2017 from his hometown club Bryne, and he left Molde for Red Bull Salzburg in January last year.

A sensational record of 29 goals and seven assists in 27 matches for Salzburg caught the attention of the rest of Europe, and he was snapped up by Dortmund in January.

He's enjoyed an incredible start with BVB, notching 12 goals in nine games to take his overall tally to 40 in all competitions for the season in just 31 games. He's averaged a goal every 51 minutes he's played this season and also laid on eight assists along the way.

Haaland has plundered 10 goals in the UEFA Champions League, including this superb effort for Dortmund as part of a brace he scored against PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie (U.S., UK only respectively):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1229883580416974849

This man is the real deal! 👏

PSG briefly level through Neymar but Haaland cannot be stopped! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HkPtRJwbqQ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2020

His rise has been so incredible that he wouldn't look out of place at Old Trafford or the Santiago Bernabeu.

United signed Odion Ighalo on loan in January after an injury to Marcus Rashford left them with Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as their only forward options for the immediate future. The Red Devils have failed to find the net 12 times in all competitions this season, so they could have benefited enormously from recruiting a player as prolific as Haaland has been.

As for Real, the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in 2018 can still be felt. Ronaldo scored 450 goals in nine years at Madrid, an average of exactly 50 per season.

Dortmund signed Haaland by meeting his €22.5 million (£19.6 million) release clause, but his value will have rocketed for any suitors hoping to lure him away from Germany in the coming years.  

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has said star winger Jadon Sancho is "very happy" at the club, and he doesn't think he wants to leave. 

Sancho has been widely linked with a transfer this summer, but Watzke told BBC Sport an exit is not a foregone conclusion: "I think he has the feeling that the club does have a good future. In my opinion, I don't think he wants to leave. We have a very confidential relationship between us and him and his agents. We will discuss it."

According to Mike McGrath of the Telegraph, Manchester United lead the race to land Sancho in the summer. The report stated he'll be allowed to leave and would cost the Red Devils more than the £89.3 million they spent on Paul Pogba. 

Watzke said money is not a factor in their decision to keep or sell the youngster, however: "It's not a question of money. For us, it would be the best position if he stays at Borussia Dortmund. We have enough money. We want to have titles. I think this team has a lot more potential with Jadon than without Jadon."

The 19-year-old former Manchester City prospect moved to Germany in 2017 and steadily established himself as a rising star in the Bundesliga. He broke out in 2018 and has continued to put up impressive numbers:

Jadon Sancho with another goal for BVB!

✅33 games
⚽️17 goals
🅰️18 assists

What a player! pic.twitter.com/i0dfdKX87H

— Football Talent Scout - Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) February 29, 2020

Already a full England international, Sancho has limitless potential and looks like a future superstar. He's under contract until 2022.

Dortmund have built a tremendous reputation for nurturing young talent and selling them on for a profit, parting with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Ousmane Dembele in recent years. They're currently in a tight race for the Bundesliga title, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by four points. 

Chelsea and Liverpool have also been mentioned as possible summer destinations for Sancho should he leave Germany. 

Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho has described football as his "first love" and said he'd play every day until he's "100 years old" if his body permitted it. 

The 19-year-old has taken the Bundesliga by storm since arriving last season, and he has recorded 27 direct goal involvements (13 goals and 14 assists) in 21 top-flight appearances this campaign.

He told the official Bundesliga website (h/t Goal): "I just love football. You can't really take that out of me—I just love the game, and love the sport. So yeah, if I had a choice I'd play every day until I'm 100 years old. But unfortunately, some time I'll have to step down from football when my body gets old! Of course, football will be my first love forever."

Sancho's fast feet and technical ability have earned attention from some of the elite in European football, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea each said to be among his admirers, per TalkSport.

The teenager became the youngest player in history to score 24 Bundesliga goals earlier this season:

BBC 5 Live Sport's The Squad discussed a potential Premier League return in February and agreed the player would be worth a £100 million investment if that's the price Dortmund demanded:

🇬🇧7⃣ Best
🇫🇷7⃣ Cantona
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿7⃣ Beckham
🇵🇹7⃣ Ronaldo
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿7⃣ Sancho?

🤔 Will @Sanchooo10 be #MUFC's new number 7⃣?

✍️ Where do you think he should go next?

🆕 #TheSquad 👇
⚽️: https://t.co/NUyuPP9O0Q@NickBrightDJ | @rosiekmita | @CPHamill | @FlexUTD pic.twitter.com/YK6FnUAyGB

— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) February 17, 2020

The former Watford and Manchester City academy player was asked about those price-tag rumours when he was first called up to the senior England squad in October 2018, via Hayters TV:

Jadon Sancho is a player in high demand 💯🔥 pic.twitter.com/y7eUVIqkhd

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) February 15, 2020

Sancho—who has scored twice in 11 senior outings for the Three Lions—illustrated what motivates him on the field, adding a desire to entertain rests at his core:

"Before a game, probably listen to my music, and because I know everyone's watching, especially for the fans, especially if it's cold, I don't want them to just come and support us. 

"I want them to go home smiling and be happy that they came out to the end and watched us win. I'm just trying to be a winner and have that winning mentality every game I go into."

Chelsea have been strongly linked with Sancho in recent months, but a move to Stamford Bridge looks less likely after the Blues announced terms have been agreed to sign Hakim Ziyech from Ajax this summer. 

Sancho was the first player across Europe's top five leagues this season to record double-digit goals and assists. Statman Dave highlighted in early February he's since been joined by another special talent:

Across Europe’s top five leagues, only two players have registered 10+ goals and 10+ assists:

🇦🇷 Lionel Messi
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Jadon Sancho

Two assists in the first half for Messi. 🎯🎯 pic.twitter.com/IYE54vw5A4

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 9, 2020

Dortmund are third in the Bundesliga and four points below leaders Bayern Munich with 11 games to go, one of several teams in contention following a highly competitive campaign so far.

Sancho will have at least a decade at the top of the sport if the beginning of his professional career is anything to go by, with the Black and Yellows hoping he stays at the Westfalenstadion for as much of it as possible. 

Achraf Hakimi has hinted he would be open to staying at Borussia Dortmund rather than return to Real Madrid when his loan spell comes to an end this summer. 

Hakimi is on a two-year loan with BVB from Los Blancos.

Per ESPN FC's Alex Kirkland, when asked about returning to Real, he said:

"Well, that's what the contract I have here says, that it ends in June, but anything can happen. Let's see what the summer brings.

"I want to play, I want to keep growing as I have been, where they give me the opportunity, as they are doing here in Germany. They're giving me a chance, and I'm showing the player I am and I'm enjoying myself."

Hakimi came through the ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he has been a player since 2006.

The Morocco international broke into the first team during the 2017-18 season, during which he made 17 appearances.

He appeared 28 times last season during his first campaign at Dortmund, and he has already surpassed that figure this term.

Hakimi made his 33rd appearance of the campaign as Dortmund beat Paris Saint-Germain 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie.

The 21-year-old put in an impressive performance:

Achraf Hakimi’s game by numbers vs. PSG:

88% pass accuracy
4/4 tackles won
4 ball recoveries
3 interceptions
2 chances created

A joy to watch on the right flank. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/kbYnztPZwy

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 18, 2020

It's clear the youngster has an abundance of potential. In January, he was rewarded for an excellent calendar year of 2019:

Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2019 African Youth Player of the Year! 🇲🇦#CAFAwards2019 pic.twitter.com/jUWZ4cfaWJ

— GOAL (@goal) January 7, 2020

It is the second year running he has picked up that award, having also won it for 2018.

He's an exceptional athlete blessed with searing pace, and he's a versatile operator, too. Hakimi is capable of playing on both flanks, at full-back or further forward.

Hakimi makes incisive attacking contributions when he does venture up field, having scored six times and assisted nine goals this season.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe believes his return will put Madrid in an excellent position:

Jotting down some clubs' weak points ahead of the summer window (yep, we're already there), and I've come to Real Madrid...they are STACKED.

Hakimi back, I'd give Jovic another year, so...*scrapes bottom of barrel*...a CM? They're in such a healthy position.

— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) February 2, 2020

He's developed into a superb player during his time at Dortmund, so he'd enhance their strength in depth considerably.

His versatility would also increase his chances of getting on the pitch, but it's unlikely he'd get as much game time in the Spanish capital as he does with the Bundesliga side.

What's more, 34-year-old Lukasz Piszczek is out of contract at Dortmund in the summer. If the Pole moves on, Hakimi has even greater scope to secure his place in the team should he make his stay in Germany permanent.

Borussia Dortmund forward Erling Haaland spoke to reporters after scoring a brace in the 2-1 UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, saying he still has much to improve on and that the tie is far from over. 

The 19-year-old is not about to let the success go to his head, per Goal: "I am glad about the man of the match award but feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve. The result is quite a dangerous one, as PSG has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg."

The Norwegian bagged two second-half goals, sandwiched around Neymar's equaliser. The second goal was particularly good (U.S./UK viewers only):

https://twitter.com/brlive/status/1229903419625787392

This angle of the Erling Braut Håland's goal is AMAZING!

The sound when the ball hits the back of the net is so, so satisfying 👌

Watch 360° highlights and instant replays of EVERY goal on the BT Sport app 📲 pic.twitter.com/sA3Gcvibow

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2020

By netting twice, the former Red Bull Salzburg striker took his tally in the competition to 10 goals. He has outscored two of Spain's biggest clubs on his own:

Champions League goals this season:

Erling Haaland - 10
Atletico Madrid - 9
Barcelona - 9 pic.twitter.com/sx9anlKSbk

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 18, 2020

Haaland's overall numbers are incredible:

▪️ 39 goals in 28 games this season
▪️ 11 goals in 7 games since joining Dortmund
▪️ Joint top scorer in the Champions League
▪️ Fastest player ever to reach 10 Champions League goals@ErlingHaaland is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/CmhmpfEjIr

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 18, 2020

Because UEFA did away with the cup-tied regulations in 2018, he was able to become the first player to score for two clubs in a single Champions League campaign.

He jointly leads this year's Champions League scoring charts, tied with Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski.

Haaland hasn't skipped a beat since moving from Austria to Germany in January, with an incredible eight Bundesliga goals in just five total appearances. Only Bayer Leverkusen have been able to shut him out since the transfer to BVB.

He stood out for more than just his goals on Tuesday, however. Haaland showed off strong technical ability and a good defensive work ethic, to go with world-class athleticism:

Erling Haaland clocked a time of 6.64 seconds for a 60 metre sprint during a first half counter attack tonight. The 60m world record (by US sprinter Christian Coleman) is 6.34 seconds! #BVBPSG

— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) February 18, 2020

The 2-1 win puts Dortmund in a great position to add to PSG's Champions League misery. Les Parisiens have been knocked out of the competition in the round of 16 in three straight seasons, and they once again fell short of expectations on Tuesday.

Neymar scored but also showed signs of rust after not appearing in a match since the 5-0 win over Montpellier on February 1. Kylian Mbappe and Angel Di Maria were mostly kept quiet.

PSG have a 10-point lead in the Ligue 1 title race and can start their preparations for the return leg on March 11 early. Dortmund have no such luxury, sitting four points behind Bundesliga leaders Bayern.

BVB's next three outings will be against Werder Bremen, Freiburg and Borussia Monchengladbach before the return leg in Paris.

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc said showing a video of BVB's "yellow wall" of supporters to Erling Haaland helped the Norway forward in his decision to join the Bundesliga giants.

Zorc told Sport Bild (h/t the Mirror's Rich Jones) the striker was impressed by the video before penning a deal to move to the Signal Iduna Park:

"He seemed to like it! We had to reach high to sign Erling and it's no secret that other well-known clubs were working hard to get him.

"I was like a little boy (when he spoke with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola on Christmas Eve to confirm the deal).

"This combination of robustness, quality of finishing, good technique and his speed makes Erling special. In our first conversations there was already a positive atmosphere and we both felt good. Erling and BVB - it fits 100 per cent.

"[He also has a] tremendous personality and that suits Borussia Dortmund, our stadium and our fans. That is what defines our club and is exactly what Erling was looking for. Such an atmosphere inspires him – he explodes on the pitch."

Haaland had been reportedly linked with a chance to join his former Molde coach, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, at Manchester United, per Jones, but the Leeds-born player opted to depart Red Bull Salzburg for Germany.

United continued to shop for a striker until the final day of the January transfer window. The Red Devils eventually completed the six-month loan capture of Odion Ighalo from Chinese Super League club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua.

Haaland has made an explosive start at BVB, scoring seven goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances. His first two games were from the substitute's bench, and the 6'4" striker showed he doesn't need many minutes to consistently find the back of the net.

The 19-year-old could quickly develop into one of the world's top finishers, and Dortmund might have made one of the greatest transfer decisions in recent times by triggering the player's buyout. According to BBC Sport, BVB paid only €20 million (£17.1 million) for Haaland's services.

 

Haaland would have been perfect for United's need for No. 9, but German football will provide the perfect developmental environment for the teenager.

BVB are known for allowing youth to flourish, and it will be no surprise to see the Norwegian as a prominent starter before the end of the season arrives.