Borussia Dortmund has made a decisive move regarding Sébastien Haller’s position within the squad, opting not to reintegrate the Ivorian striker for the second half of the season.
Despite a €31 million transfer fee that once symbolized the club’s faith in Haller as a long-term attacking option, his struggles to rediscover form following his recovery from cancer have prompted the German club to seek alternatives.
The 30-year-old, who joined Dortmund in 2022, has faced challenges on and off the pitch since his diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
While his return to football was widely celebrated, his performances have not reached the levels that initially made him one of Europe’s top striking prospects.
Coach Nuri Şahin and Dortmund’s management reportedly believe Haller can no longer deliver the impact required to strengthen their squad, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
Haller’s struggles have continued during his current loan spell at Spanish side CD Leganés.
The striker, who moved to La Liga in the final hours of last summer’s transfer window, has featured in just eight matches without scoring a goal.
His stint in Spain has also been hampered by injuries, leaving Leganés disappointed with his contributions.
In light of this, the Spanish club is reportedly considering terminating his loan prematurely, though no official announcement has been made.
This potential early recall would force Dortmund to explore alternative solutions for the player’s future.
A possible return to FC Utrecht, where Haller enjoyed significant success earlier in his career, is being considered.
Negotiations between Dortmund and Utrecht are said to be ongoing, with the Dutch club interested in offering the Ivorian a chance to restart his career.
However, Haller’s substantial annual salary of €9 million poses a significant financial challenge.
Reports suggest that Dortmund is willing to shoulder part of this cost to facilitate the transfer.
Haller’s journey since his cancer recovery has been one of resilience and determination.
However, his current struggles underscore the lasting impact of his illness on his performance.
A move to a more familiar and supportive environment like Utrecht could provide the stability needed for him to rebuild his career.
For Dortmund, the decision to move on from Haller reflects the club’s pragmatic approach to rebuilding their squad.
For Haller, the challenge ahead lies in proving that he can still thrive at the highest level and recapture the form that once made him one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
