The turbulent fallout from Erling Haaland’s time at Borussia Dortmund has resurfaced, with the club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl sensationally describing the Norwegian striker as a “burden” — a remark that reignited controversy around one of football’s most talked-about careers.
Haaland, who joined Manchester City in 2022 after two prolific seasons in the Bundesliga, was once the crown jewel of Dortmund’s attack. But according to Kehl, his final months at Signal Iduna Park were overshadowed by endless transfer speculation, off-field distractions, and the growing influence of his management entourage.
“At some point, the Haaland transfer became a burden for the club,” Kehl told Bild, in comments that have sent shockwaves through both Germany and England. “As much as we loved his goals, the constant drama surrounding his future affected the entire team. It was like a storm that never stopped.”
Those remarks have reignited old tensions — particularly after reports surfaced of a public spat between Haaland’s camp and Jude Bellingham’s father, Mark Bellingham, following recent social media comments about professionalism and player loyalty. The exchanges have stirred debate among fans, with many recalling the intense dressing-room dynamics that defined Dortmund’s final season with both Haaland and Bellingham in the squad.
Insiders claim Kehl’s frustrations stemmed not from Haaland’s talent — which was never in doubt — but from the “circus” surrounding his record-breaking move to Manchester City. The transfer saga dominated headlines for months, overshadowing Dortmund’s domestic campaign and straining the club’s relationship with the player’s representatives.
Despite Kehl’s criticisms, Haaland’s impact on Dortmund remains undeniable. The Norwegian sensation scored 86 goals in 89 appearances, transforming himself into one of the most feared strikers in world football. His immediate success in the Premier League — including a historic Treble with City in 2023 and the European Golden Shoe — only reinforced his superstar status.
Still, Kehl’s candid admission offers a glimpse into the internal pressure that top clubs face when managing generational talents. His comments underline a hard truth: even brilliance can become burdensome when overshadowed by noise, ego, and constant speculation.
As the Haaland saga takes another dramatic twist, one thing is certain — the ripple effects of his Dortmund exit are still being felt, both in Germany and beyond.
