Erling Haaland has reportedly spent over £500k on farewell gifts for his Borussia Dortmund teammates ahead of his summer move to Man City.
The Norwegian sensation is on his way to the Etihad Stadium during the upcoming window after the current Premier League leaders activated the release clause written into his contract. His move to England brings to an end a hugely successful spell with Dortmund having represented the German outfit since his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg two-and-a-half years ago.
In the time since, the 21-year-old has scored an astounding 86 goals in 89 outings in all competitions, whilst having also lifted the DFB-Pokal during his time at the Signal Iduna Park. To mark his farewell, he has reportedly handed his former teammates some expensive gifts.
As per German outlet Bild, the striker has given each of his teammates an engraved Rolex watch, whilst also handing every member of the club’s coaching team an OMEGA watch. It is suggested that Haaland’s act of generosity has cost him approximately £500,000.
Whilst that seems a huge amount, it appears that his Man City contract will make that seem like pocket change. Reports have suggested that Haaland is set to pocket around £375k per week once he completes his switch to the Etihad - a huge increase on the £130-per-week wages that he currently earns with Dortmund.
His future boss Pep Guardiola has already expressed his excitement at having Haaland at his disposal next season. Speaking shortly after the deal was announced by City, the Spaniard said: "It is a decision for club, the club make a good signing for the future and (he) comes for many, many years hopefully and I am pretty sure he will adapt perfectly to our team but it will be next season.
How many goals will Erling Haaland score next season? Make your predictions in the comments section below.
"I am excited with my job and of course I like to work with good players because the players make you a good manager. Of course he is an incredible young talent, with a perfect age and I am pretty sure we are going to help him as much as possible.”
Whilst Haaland is set to work under a new manager next season with his switch to Manchester, his former Dortmund teammates are set to have a different man at the helm too.
Marco Rose has parted company with Dortmund after just a solitary campaign in charge despite having led the Schwarzgelben to a second-place Bundesliga finish this season. Dortmund reportedly held an ‘intensive’ meeting to review his performance throughout the campaign and it was decided that the best course of action would be to part ways.
His replacement is reportedly set to be Edin Terzic, who will have a second spell in charge having served as caretaker following the departure of Lucien Favre in December 2020. Meanwhile, the German giants have already potentially found Haaland’s replacement for next season with the acquisition of Red Bull Salzburg forward Karim Adeyemi.
The former rounded off his spell with Dortmund with a goal in a 2-1 victory over Hertha BSC on the final day of the season.
