KEY POINTS

  • Borussia Dortmund sets sights on Timo Werner as a Erling Haaland backup
  • Werner moving to Borussia Dortmund holds no assurance due to his big paycheck
  • Bayern Munich also has an interest in Werner if Chelsea decides to part ways

Borussia Dortmund is aware that their grasp on Norwegian striker Erling Haaland could slip away once his release clause activates next season.

It appears they are preparing for the worse and already have a player in mind in the person of Timo Werner of Chelsea.

According to outlet SportBild, the suggestion is a surprise development on the end of Der BVB as a solution to a rumored exit of Haaland.

The 21-year-old has drawn interest from multiple teams, one of which is Chelsea.

Haaland has been a widely pursued player by multiple clubs in Europe, but Borussia Dortmund managed to fend off interest.

However, the story is different next season and it appears team manager Marco Rose is pretty much aware of it.

Der BVB team executive Michael Zorc has reportedly been tasked to find a replacement, someone who could fit the system of Rose, ESPN reported.

It seems the 25-year-old German fits that need although acquiring Werner from the Blues will not be easy.

For one, Werner is earning £17 million ($23.5 million) per season. Hence, any potential deal for the German striker would require him to agree to a pay cut.

Aside from Borussia Dortmund, another team linked to Werner is Bayern Munich. Things have taken a different twist for the German since arriving from RB Leipzig last summer for a fee of £50 million ($69 million).

His playing time dipped considerably, especially when Romelu Lukaku came on board. It also appears that he has struggled under the watch of Thomas Tuchel.

Timo Werner was part of Chelsea's £220 million transfer splurge
Timo Werner was part of Chelsea's £220 million transfer splurge POOL / Ben STANSALL

Werner started impressively with 28 goals in 34 Bundesliga appearances. But somehow, he has struggled to maintain that run.

As for Haaland, there is no telling what the future holds. Aside from Chelsea, other teams interested to enlist the Norwegian include Manchester United, Barcelona and Manchester City.

Haaland is aware of the interest, but as mentioned in a previous post, he will leave it all to the Borussia Dortmund management.

He is still under contract until 2024, and it won’t be surprising if Der BVB tries to keep him in the fold or ask a stiff price once the release clause is activated.

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