Ruud Gullit thinks that Liverpool are one of three clubs that could sign Erling Haaland. Speaking to Bild, the former Chelsea manager assessed who Haaland will leave Borussia Dortmund for.
“I see him in England but I think he’s not going to Manchester United. City would be good for him because of Pep Guardiola,” said Gullit.
“But Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool would also be great.”
Where will Haaland go?
United will surely have something to say about Gullit’s claims. Haaland was a target for them when he left Salzburg for Dortmund in 2020 (BBC Sport) and they have financial muscle that Liverpool do not.
The Norwegian’s release clause of £67m, confirmed by Marca, is manageable for Liverpool. But his wages and agent fees may prove to be out of reach for The Reds.
However, Gullit thinks that in footballing terms, Klopp’s Liverpool would be a perfect fit for the in-demand 21-year-old.
“What Jurgen has done with this club is incredible. You just have to love him and he’s always hungry. That would suit Haaland,” said the 59-year-old.
Gullit also threw a third club into the mix with Liverpool and City.
“In Spain, only Real (Madrid) is an option. These are the three clubs that will make the race for Erling,” he said.
Are Liverpool really in the race
Much will depend on what happens with the contracts of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino. Liverpool obviously have some big decisions to make regarding their forward line.
A move for Haaland would appear to make sense as The Reds looks to refresh their attacking options.
But the club reportedly hold a belief that new signing Luis Diaz can play as a central striker (The Athletic). That would indicate that rather than looking for an “out-and-out” striker, they prefer to look at options who can pay a variety of attacking positions.
Haaland is as out-and-out as they come. Signing him may mean that Klopp would have to alter Liverpool’s system, which could make other clubs a better tactical fit.
However, having one of the most dangerous finishers in the world at Anfield certainly sounds like an exciting prospect to us.
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