Juventus wanted to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, but here’s why the player declined a move.
Erling Haaland is the most highly sought-after striker in the world. The Borussia Dortmund star was courted by Juventus and Manchester United in the winter transfer window, but he ultimately decided to play in the German Bundesliga, where he has blossomed.
Off to a good start in 2020-2021, Haaland has scored four times with one assist in three games, further establishing himself as one of the world’s best. Juventus, Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester United, and all the other big clubs will try to sign Haaland from Dortmund in a couple of years.
But Juve were among the clubs who already made a strong approach for Haaland, as they tried to sign the player during the last winter transfer window.
According to a report from Calciomercato.com, Juventus was “very close” to signing Erling Haaland. However, the Norway international declined the Bianconeri in the end, and he did so for a very simple reason that has proven to be a great decision for the player’s career.
Juventus could use Erling Haaland in the long term
Haaland wasn’t sure he would be guaranteed consistent starts at Juventus, which Dortmund could provide him as Paco Alcacer’s replacement. Therefore, he declined the opportunity to play with Paulo Dybala and Cristiano Ronaldo and signed with the Black and Yellows.
Juve have made their own replacement for Gonzalo Higuain at striker this summer, signing Alvaro Morata on loan from Atletico Madrid. They’ve also added two young wide forwards in Dejan Kulusevski and Federico Chiesa, who will be important to the team this season.
But over the long term, they could use a guy like Haaland. By the time he is available in 2022, Ronaldo may be gone. Dybala is the future of the team, as are Chiesa and Kulusevski. That could be Juve’s ideal front three, but they would dream of having an out-and-out No. 9 who can score 30-40 goals in a season, even in Serie A. If anyone can do that, then it is Haaland.