FC Utrecht manager Ron Jans has cast doubt on the long-term future of Sébastien Haller at the club, admitting that a permanent deal for the on-loan Borussia Dortmund striker is financially improbable.
The Ivorian international delivered a standout performance on Sunday, scoring a remarkable goal in Utrecht’s clash against FC Groningen.
It was a timely reminder of Haller’s quality after a string of underwhelming displays in recent weeks. Speaking on Studio Voetbal, Jans did not hide his admiration for the striker’s determination and his recent upturn in form.
“That was his best game so far,” the Utrecht coach said. “It hasn’t been easy for him lately, but now you can see things are improving.
He wants it so badly—and sometimes when you want something too much, it doesn’t come naturally. But this time, it did.”
Despite his desire to keep Haller at the club, Jans acknowledged the significant hurdles involved in trying to secure the 29-year-old beyond his current loan, which runs until June 2025.
“I would love to retain him,” he said. “But he belongs to Dortmund, and once you know what kind of salary he commands, you realise the odds are slim.”
Haller’s return to Utrecht, where he previously played between 2015 and 2017, was seen as a high-profile move for the Eredivisie side.
However, with Borussia Dortmund still holding his contract, the prospect of a long-term stay appears remote.
Jans did, however, hint that the club is not entirely ruling out a bold move, pointing to a recent case that proved successful for Utrecht.
“We’ve done something like this before with Sam Lammers,” he explained. “That worked out very well for us.”
Lammers, who joined Utrecht on loan and scored 11 goals in 20 appearances, became a valuable asset during his spell.
Jans suggested that while Haller’s wages are above the norm, strategic risks could still be considered if the club’s financial situation allows for it.
“Haller earns more than the average player here, that’s clear,” Jans noted. “But sometimes, to achieve something, you have to be willing to take responsible risks.
It can fit within the budget—especially because we’ve also made money from player sales.”
Still, the tone of Jans’ comments suggested that Dortmund are expected to recall Haller once his loan expires, making his Utrecht stay a temporary solution rather than a long-term reunion.
The striker’s recent goal has reignited interest and optimism around his contribution, but with his contract and wages tied to one of Germany’s top clubs, Utrecht’s ambitions to retain him remain complicated.
For now, both Jans and Haller appear focused on the present, with the club pushing for strong performances in the league.
But unless circumstances change drastically, the Ivorian forward seems destined to return to Dortmund once his loan spell comes to an end.
