Borussia Dortmund and Ivorian forward Sébastien Haller in deadlock over severance deal

Borussia Dortmund’s bid to part ways with Sébastien Haller has reached a stalemate, with the striker and the club at odds over the terms of a proposed severance package.

The Ivorian forward, who remains one of Dortmund’s highest earners, is no longer considered part of the Bundesliga side’s long-term plans.

The club, keen to reduce its wage bill, has reportedly offered to terminate his contract — which runs until June 2026 — in exchange for a €2m payout.

However, according to German daily BILD, Haller’s representatives have rejected the offer, insisting on a severance package of around €6m, three times the club’s proposal.

The demand reflects a significant gap between the two parties, complicating Dortmund’s efforts to secure a clean break.

The financial stakes are considerable. Haller is due to earn approximately €11m in salary for the 2025/26 season, a figure Dortmund is eager to avoid paying in full if the striker is to depart.

While settling at €6m would still represent a substantial saving compared to his annual wages, reports suggest the club remains reluctant to meet the player’s conditions, particularly as no transfer fee would be recouped from his exit.

At 31, Haller is believed to be considering a return to FC Utrecht, where he previously enjoyed a prolific spell before moving to the Bundesliga.

His market value is currently estimated at €3m, far below the figures being discussed in severance negotiations.

The impasse comes at a crucial juncture for Dortmund, who are preparing to begin their season with a German Cup fixture against Rot-Weiss Essen.

While the team’s focus is firmly on competitive action, the situation with Haller remains a distraction, with both sides under pressure to find a resolution before the transfer window closes.

Despite the tension, there is an expectation that a compromise will eventually be reached.

Haller, who joined Dortmund from Ajax in 2022, endured a challenging period during his time at Signal Iduna Park, including a battle with cancer that sidelined him for much of his debut season.

Although he returned to contribute in key matches, he never fully cemented a long-term role in the squad.

For Dortmund, the dispute highlights the financial complexities of managing high-profile contracts in modern football.

For Haller, it represents the final hurdle before he can move on and seek a fresh start.

The coming days are likely to prove decisive, with negotiations set to continue as both parties weigh the cost of holding firm against the benefit of drawing a line under the saga.