Erling Haaland's move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022 was one of the most talked-about transfers in recent football history. But before he donned the sky blue jersey, the Norwegian striker said an emotional goodbye to Borussia Dortmund, the club that catapulted him to global stardom.
Haaland joined Dortmund in January 2020 from Red Bull Salzburg. Despite being only 19, he immediately took the Bundesliga by storm. His first half-season saw him score 13 goals in 15 games, including a hat-trick on his debut against Augsburg. The football world took notice. Over the next two and a half years, Haaland became the most feared striker in Europe.
Unforgettable Moments at Signal Iduna Park
Haaland's time at Dortmund was marked by incredible statistics and unforgettable performances. In 89 appearances for the Black and Yellows, he scored 86 goals and provided 23 assists. That's nearly a goal per game. He won the DFB-Pokal in 2021, scoring in the final against RB Leipzig. He also became the fastest player to reach 50 Champions League goals, achieving the milestone in just 44 games.
His hat-trick against Sevilla in the 2020-21 Champions League round of 16 is still remembered as one of the best individual performances in the competition's history. He became the first player in Champions League history to score five goals in the first half of a knockout tie. The numbers were staggering, but it was his personality that won the hearts of Dortmund fans.
The Emotional Farewell
When the move to Manchester City was confirmed in May 2022, Haaland made sure to say goodbye properly. He released a heartfelt video message to the Dortmund fans, thanking them for their support. In the video, he said, "I will never forget the first time I ran out onto the pitch at Signal Iduna Park. The atmosphere was incredible. You made me feel at home from day one."
He also wrote a farewell letter to the club staff, players, and supporters. In it, he expressed his gratitude for the trust they placed in him and the development he experienced. He mentioned that Dortmund would always have a special place in his heart. The response from fans was equally emotional. Many took to social media to share their favorite Haaland memories. Some even cried during his final match at the Westfalenstadion, a 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin, where he scored the winning goal.
Why Haaland Left Dortmund
Despite the deep connection, Haaland's departure was inevitable. Top clubs across Europe had been chasing him since 2020. Dortmund's sporting director, Michael Zorc, acknowledged that Haaland had a release clause that would activate in 2022. The clause was set at around €75 million, a bargain for a player of his caliber.
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, had been searching for a top-class striker for years. With Sergio Agüero's departure in 2021, the need became urgent. Haaland fit the profile perfectly: young, strong, fast, and a clinical finisher. City activated the release clause and offered him a five-year contract. Dortmund tried to keep him, but the allure of the Premier League and working with Guardiola was too strong.
The Impact on Dortmund
Haaland's departure left a massive void in Dortmund's attack. The club had built their style around his movement and finishing. Without him, they struggled to find consistent goal scorers. The 2022-23 season saw them rely on Youssoufa Moukoko and Donyell Malen, but neither could replicate Haaland's output. Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga, missing the title by a narrow margin.
However, the transfer also brought financial benefits. The €75 million fee allowed Dortmund to reinvest in the squad. They signed Karim Adeyemi, Sébastien Haller, and Nico Schlotterbeck, among others. Haller, in particular, was brought in to replace Haaland, but he was diagnosed with testicular cancer soon after arriving, which disrupted the plans.
The Move to Manchester City
Haaland's integration into Manchester City was seamless. He hit the ground running, scoring in his first competitive match against Liverpool in the Community Shield. In his first Premier League season, he broke the record for most goals in a single season, netting 36 times. He also helped City win the treble: Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
His partnership with Kevin De Bruyne became the most productive in the league. De Bruyne's precision passing combined with Haaland's finishing produced goal after goal. Haaland also showed his adaptability, dropping deep to link play and pressing relentlessly. Guardiola praised his professionalism and willingness to learn.
Haaland's goalscoring form continued into the 2023-24 season. He scored multiple hat-tricks, including a five-goal performance against RB Leipzig in the Champions League. By the end of the calendar year, he had already surpassed 50 goals for City. The media began comparing him to the greatest strikers of all time.
Legacy at Dortmund and Future
Although Haaland has moved on, his legacy at Dortmund remains strong. The club retired his number 9 shirt for a season in his honor. He is still remembered as one of the best players to ever wear the yellow and black. His 86 goals in 89 games are a testament to his incredible efficiency.
Now at Manchester City, Haaland's stature has only grown. He is considered the best striker in the world. He has already won the Golden Boy award, the Bundesliga Player of the Year, and the Premier League Player of the Season. With City, he aims to win more titles and break more records.
The emotional farewell to Dortmund was not just about leaving a club; it was about leaving a family. Haaland grew from a promising talent into a world-class superstar during his time in Dortmund. The fans, the staff, and the city will forever be grateful for the memories. As Haaland himself said, "Once a Borusse, always a Borusse."
Haaland's Road to Stardom
Before Dortmund, Haaland had already shown incredible promise at Red Bull Salzburg and before that at Bryne FK in Norway. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was a former Premier League player, but Erling has carved his own path. At Salzburg, he scored 29 goals in 27 games, including a hat-trick in the Champions League against Genk. That performance caught the eye of Europe's elite.
Dortmund's reputation for developing young players was a key factor in his decision to join. The club's high-pressing, attacking style suited him perfectly. Under coach Lucien Favre, and later Edin Terzić, Haaland developed not only as a goalscorer but as a complete forward.
He worked on his hold-up play, link-up, and movement off the ball. He also improved his finishing with both feet and his heading. By the time he left, he was a complete package. His physicality, speed, and finishing ability made him virtually unplayable on his day.
The Bundesliga vs. Premier League
Critics often argued that Haaland's record was inflated by the weaker defenses in the Bundesliga. But he has silenced those doubts with his performances in England. The Premier League is widely considered the most competitive league in the world, yet Haaland has dominated from day one.
His physical attributes are perfectly suited to English football. He is strong enough to hold off defenders, fast enough to run in behind, and clinical enough to finish from any angle. His ability to stay fit and avoid major injuries has also been crucial.
Haaland's transition has been so smooth that it has sparked debates about whether he is already better than some of the Premier League's all-time greats. While comparisons are always subjective, his goal-per-game ratio in the Premier League is unmatched.
Emotional Connections Remain
Despite being at City, Haaland maintains close ties with Dortmund. He still speaks to former teammates and coaches. He has visited Dortmund during international breaks. The bond is not broken; it has just evolved.
When Dortmund faced City in the Champions League group stage in 2022-23, Haaland received a warm welcome from the Dortmund fans. They applauded him during the match, and he acknowledged them after scoring. It was a moment that showed the lasting respect between player and club.
In interviews, Haaland often reflects on his time in Dortmund with gratitude. He credits the club for his development and the city for its love. Dortmund, in turn, has used his profile to attract other young talents. The relationship continues to benefit both parties.
Erling Haaland's farewell to Borussia Dortmund was emotional because it was genuine. He gave everything to the club, and the club gave him a platform to shine. Now, as he conquers new heights with Manchester City, the memories of Signal Iduna Park will always remain. Football moves on, but true connections last forever.
Source: sport.de News