Red Bull Salzburg chief Christoph Freund claims it’s ‘too soon’ for Erling Braut Haaland to leave Austrian club as Manchester United look to snap up striker in January
- Erling Haaland has been linked with a move to Manchester United in January
- The 19-year-old’s form in the Champions League has gained him many admirers
- Salzburg chief Christoph Freund has cast doubt over a potential move
- Freund says it may be too soon for Haaland to make the big move to United
Red Bull Salzburg chief Christoph Freund has thrown any potential Erling Braut Haaland move to Manchester United into disarray after claiming that it may be ‘too soon’ for the wonderkid to leave the Austrian club.
Haaland has been in fine form this season, particularly in Europe, where he netted eight times in six Champions League outings, as Salzburg pushed Liverpool and Napoli in the group stage.
And those performances have caught the attention of the biggest clubs across the continent, with Manchester United registering a strong interest in acquiring the services of the 19-year-old in January.
Salzburg chief Christoph Freund has cast doubt over a January move for Erling Haaland
The 19-year-old has caught the eye of Manchester United after fine showings this season
Haaland was also believed to have taken a whistle stop tour across Europe visiting interested clubs with agent Mino Raiola in the week. Reports suggest the youngster may be available for as little as £20million.
However, Salzburg sporting director Freund has reflected that a big move may be premature for the Norwegian teenager.
‘It’s too fast for Erling,’ he told The Mirror. ‘Erling has only been here five months in the team, sure he’s outstanding… but, it’s football.’
Freund also spoke of his pride in Salzburg’s performances on the big stage and the growing interest in a number of their players, before adding that their form will make it easier to sign new players. Liverpool are in for creative midfielder Takumi Minamino, while Wolves are leading the race for Hwang Hee-chan.
Forty scouts were sent to watch Haaland in action for Salzburg this week against Liverpool
The Norwegian is believed to have visited a number of clubs with agent Mino Raiola this week
‘I think it makes it easier [to sign players] for the future, if you have a lot of good examples, to bring a player here,’ added Freund.
‘But sure this is a big challenge because the standard now from the team is more than four or five years ago.
‘For example, five months ago, nine players leave us. Seven players normally in the starting XI, so it’s a really big change for us.
Haaland is said to be interested in a move to United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made his countryman a top target
‘And in the end it was good that we prepared in winter…signing Antoine Bernede from Paris Saint-Germain and Erling Haaland.
‘This year it’s a little bit strange because everything is going so fast. Also there’s interest in a lot of other players…Hee Chan Hwang, people seeing him play.’
Haaland is said to favour a move to Old Trafford next month but it remains to be seen whether United chiefs can strike out a deal to land the in-form striker.
