Explained: Haaland release clause, contract demands, transfer fee & more as Man City and Real Madrid battle

Posted Friday, April 01, 2022 by Goal.com

The prolific Norway striker is one of Europe's most in-demand players

Erling Haaland does not have a €75 million (£63m/$83m) release clause in his Borussia Dortmund contract, GOAL and Spox understand.

It was widely thought the Norway striker would be allowed to leave this summer should a club trigger the release fee, with Manchester City and Real Madrid believed to be leading the chase for his services.

However, it is understood that it is merely a "gentlemen's agreement" between Dortmund and Haaland’s advisors, with more details about the structure of any transfer and the players wage demands also now revealed.

Dortmund intend to honour Haaland agreement

GOAL and Spox understands Dortmund value their ethics in such situations and intend to respect the agreement should the required fee be met.

However, as a listed company on the stock market, the club also has an obligation to its shareholders.

Should several offers arrive for Haaland, then the club would have to consider the highest offer and reject any bid significantly lower than one it considers fair.

GOAL and Spox understands chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke wants to respect the club’s word given to Haaland, but knows he also has an obligation to ensure the offer does not harm the interests of the club's investors.

Haaland will have the last word on his destination, but Dortmund will also have to ensure that the chosen offer is the best possible.

As a listed club Dortmund would also have to announce when the Haaland deal is close as it would affect the share price, in line with German financial regulations.

Dortmund seek Haaland sell-on fee

The structure of the deal is also likely to be complex, with Dortmund keen to make as much money from the transfer as possible.

In the event of a sale, Dortmund are expected to make solidarity payments to Haaland’s former clubs Molde and Salzburg. However, the Bundesliga side want the buying club to make those payments.

They also hope to include a sell-on clause should Haaland move on again in the future, which is likely given he is just 21.

If Dortmund agree to receive any transfer fee in instalments rather than a lump cash sum, that is also likely to help facilitate the move.

Another factor is agent Mino Raiola, although GOAL and Spox understands any agent fee will be significantly lower than the €100 million (£83m/$110m) previously reported in the media.

Haaland's wage demands

GOAL and Spox have learned an English club previously enquired about Haaland’s proposed wages and were quoted around €35 million (£29m/$39m) per season after tax, prompting them to walk away.

However, it is understood the current demands have dropped to around €25 million £21m/$28m) per season after tax – which equates to around €50 million (£42m/$55m) gross.

Therefore, if Haaland signed a five-year contract that would mean a total outlay of £209m/$275m) just on wages.