Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Norwegian teenage striker Erling Braut Haaland on a four-and-a-half year contract, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Sunday.
Haaland, 19, has emerged as one of the most exciting young players in Europe following his exploits for Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg this season. He has scored eight goals in six Champions League games as well as 16 in 14 Austrian Bundesliga matches.
Premier League club Manchester United were reportedly interested in signing Haaland, while Italian champions Juventus were also linked with the teenager. However, Haaland has revealed that as soon as he knew of Dortmund's interest, he wanted to join the club.
''I had several intense conversations with the club's management team, in particular with Hans-Joachim Watzke, Michael Zorc and coach Lucien Favre. Right from the very start, I knew I wanted to move here," he said. "I can't wait to get started and play in front of over 80,000 fans in the incredible Dortmund atmosphere. I'm so excited.''
Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of Erling Braut Håland from @RedBullSalzburg on a contract until 2024! pic.twitter.com/C9ilU0u0dt
— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) December 29, 2019
Dortmund CEO Watzke said: ''Despite receiving numerous offers from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Erling Haaland has decided that the best option for his career is to come and join our project here at BVB. Our persistence has paid off."
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc added: "We can all look forward to having an ambitious, athletic and physically imposing centre-forward here at the club. Haaland boasts a real eye for goal and impressive speed, and we are confident that we can develop him even further here in Dortmund. At just 19 years of age, he is at the very start of what promises to be an incredible career."
