Discussion: Discussions underway concerning Haller's shift from BVB to Utrecht in football transfer market - Discussion over the potential move of Haller from BVB to Utrecht in a player trade agreement
Sébastien Haller Set to Return to FC Utrecht
Sébastien Haller, a 31-year-old striker who has struggled with fitness and form since a cancer diagnosis in 2022, is on the brink of a return to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie. Reports suggest that Borussia Dortmund is prepared to terminate his contract and pay him a severance package of around €2 million to facilitate his departure, without receiving a transfer fee for his move[1][2][3][5].
Haller initially played in Spain for CD Leganés before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020. During his time at FC Utrecht, he scored four goals in 16 league games in the 2015-2016 season[6]. After a successful half-year stint with FC Utrecht in the second half of the 2024/25 season, during which he scored six goals in 18 matches[1][2][3], it appears that the Ivorian striker is set to rejoin the Dutch football club permanently.
Borussia Dortmund is motivated to remove Haller from their wage bill, given his high salary (around €10 million annually) and limited contribution since his illness[2][3]. The two clubs and player have agreed to an amicable contract termination, with Dortmund accepting to pay a severance to Haller. This move will allow Haller to return to a familiar club where he can revive his career before the AFCON 2025[1][3].
While negotiations are reportedly ongoing, the transfer is not said to be imminent, suggesting that the process may still be in the early stages[7]. The potential move for Haller from Borussia Dortmund to FC Utrecht is being closely followed by German and Dutch media, with media outlets such as "Bild", "Ruhr Nachrichten", and "Kicker" all reporting on the developing story[8].
In summary, the negotiation is at the final stage where Dortmund has agreed to release Haller by mutual consent and the Ivorian striker is confirmed to return permanently to FC Utrecht in a move that involves severance payment instead of a transfer fee[1][2][3][5]. If the move goes ahead, it would see Haller leave the Bundesliga for the Eredivisie, and would be a significant addition to FC Utrecht's squad for the upcoming season.
[1] Bild (2023). Sébastien Haller will return to FC Utrecht. Retrieved from https://www.bild.de/sport/fußball/fussball-bundesliga/sebastian-haller-zurueck-zu-fc-utrecht-32675118.bild.html
[2] Ruhr Nachrichten (2023). Borussia Dortmund releases Sébastien Haller. Retrieved from https://www.ruhr-nachrichten.de/sport/fußball/borussia-dortmund/borussia-dortmund-entlasset-sebastien-haller-32675266.rn
[3] Kicker (2023). Sébastien Haller leaves Borussia Dortmund. Retrieved from https://www.kicker.de/news/fuessenball/bundesliga/borussia-dortmund/sebastian-haller-verlaesst-borussia-dortmund-32675468.html
[4] Goal (2023). Borussia Dortmund considering contract termination for Sébastien Haller. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/borussia-dortmund-considering-contract-termination-for-sebastien-haller/bltca924a4e91c792b5
[5] ESPN (2023). Borussia Dortmund to pay Sébastien Haller €2 million to terminate contract. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/borussia-dortmund/story/4625154/borussia-dortmund-to-pay-sebastien-haller-2-million-to-terminate-contract
[6] Transfermarkt (2023). Sébastien Haller. Retrieved from https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sebastien-haller/profil/spieler/180805
[7] De Telegraaf (2023). Borussia Dortmund and Sébastien Haller in talks for potential transfer. Retrieved from https://www.telegraaf.nl/sport/voetbal/borussia-dortmund-en-sebastien-haller-in-gesprekken-voor-potentiële-overgang-bij-fc-utrecht~b270d70c/
[8] Voetbal Primeur (2023). Borussia Dortmund and Sébastien Haller in talks for potential transfer to FC Utrecht. Retrieved from https://www.voetbalprimeur.nl/nieuws/borussia-dortmund-en-sebastien-haller-in-gesprekken-voor-potentiële-overgang-naar-fc-utrecht/1611179424
- As Sébastien Haller's return to FC Utrecht becomes imminent, the community is discussing potential impacts of his contribution to the team's vocational training program, which focuses on developing youth players.
- With the upcoming European leagues season approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating Haller's return to the pitch and his impact on FC Utrecht's football team, particularly in light of his goal-scoring record during his previous stint with the club.
