KEY POINTS

  • Erling Haaland joined Dortmund earlier this year in January
  • Haaland has also netted 21 goals in 23 games for his new club
  • Man Utd were heavily linked with Haaland in January

Liverpool FC are reportedly planning to steal Manchester United’s target Erling Haaland, who the Jurgen Klopp side is seeing as Roberto Firmino’s long-term replacement.

The Reds boss Klopp is desperate to add a striker to his squad, especially after their recent 7-2 loss in the Premier League, as reported by German media outlet Don Balon.

Firmino, who has been associated with Liverpool since 2015, is believed to be one of Klopp’s favorites at the Anfield side. Even though Firmino remains a vital cog in the Liverpool side, his drastic drop in terms of goals is a matter of concern for Klopp. Into five games in the underway 2020-21 campaign, the Brazilian forward is yet to score a goal, while he had managed just 12 goals across all competitions last season, including nine in the Premier League.

There were many instances last season where Firmino stood out. The 29-year-old Brazilian forward single-handedly won Liverpool their maiden FIFA Club World Cup last year, where he had scored the winner in the semi-final and the lone goal in the final in Qatar.

Liverpool have had a shaky start to their Premier League defense as The Reds are currently placed fifth in the table having won four and lost one. Klopp, who has been looking to add a striker to his side, has shortlisted Haaland. The Norwegian striker was heavily linked with Man Utd during the 2020 January transfer window. However, the 20-year-old talented striker instead landed at Klopp’s former club, Borussia Dortmund.

Haaland, who has already netted 21 goals in 23 matches for Dortmund since his Bundesliga debut in January, has a special clause in his current deal with the German club. Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola inserted a release clause in the player’s contract when he joined Dortmund from RB Salzburg. The young striker can leave Dortmund in 2022 should any club match his release clause of $82 million.

Dortmund's Norwegian teen Erling Braut Haaland became the first player to score a hat-trick off the bench on his Bundesliga debut in January.
Dortmund's Norwegian teen Erling Braut Haaland became the first player to score a hat-trick off the bench on his Bundesliga debut in January. AFP / THOMAS KIENZLE

The Don Balon report has further stated that Klopp may trigger Haaland’s release clause as he is looking to change his tactics on the pitch. The more direct running and physical presence of Haaland could provide a fresh approach to the current Liverpool attack that is nearly exposed to some of their opponents. Haaland’s lethal game could also aid the wingers, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

RELATED STORIES
Soccer