Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus believes that Erling Haaland is the top striker choice for many of Europe’s biggest sides and added that the youngster won’t be at Borussia Dortmund forever. The 20-year-old has netted 43 goals in as many games for Dortmund since he signed in January 2020.
When Borussia Dortmund signed Erling Haaland from RB Salzburg, few expected the Norwegian forward to do this well for the Bundesliga giants. 43 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions have seen the 20-year-old become the most talked-about young star in the world alongside Kylian Mbappe. Not only that, it has seen Haaland linked with a move to nearly every big European club in the world with them all interested.
However, the Norwegian forward has already rejected claims about him leaving Dortmund too soon and revealed that he is looking forward to staying here for a few years. But in an interview, Lothar Matthaus has admitted that with Haaland on the radar of Europe’s biggest sides, he could leave far sooner than anyone expected. The Bayern legend further added that Haaland, alongside Kylian Mbappe, could “follow in the footsteps of the other great world footballers of the last 13 or 14 years”.
“Haaland is already on the list of top clubs, right at the top as a striker. At Real Madrid, because with Karim Benzema they have a player of a certain age. His father has already played in the Premier League. That could be interesting too,” Matthaus said, reported Goal.
“He will not serve Borussia Dortmund for life. He’ll look for bigger clubs, he’ll get a higher income. If he stays in the Bundesliga, there is only one step for him: FC Bayern. With Kylian Mbappe he can follow in the footsteps of the other great world footballers of the last 13 or 14 years.
One of the many clubs keeping an eye out on Haaland’s progression is Bayern Munich with the Bavarians looking for a potential replacement for 32-year-old Robert Lewandowski. While the Polish forward has thrived for Bayern but with age getting to the former Dortmund striker, Matthaus has admitted that Haaland “could succeed Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich”. He further added that while Lewandowski won’t be sold by Bayern, the Norwegian striker could replace him one day.
“He could succeed Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich in two or three years if Lewandowski should think about the end of his career. But, Lewandowski is currently in form, Haaland too and as long as Lewandowski is playing for Bayern, I don’t think Haaland will come, because they will not be able to play with a Haaland-Lewandowski double because they would take away each other’s strengths.
“Bayern will not think about selling Lewandowski. He will end his great career in Munich. Only when Lewandowski is no longer with Bayern will the place for Haaland in Munich be freed up.”
