Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller withdraws from AFCON 2025 qualifiers following shock La Liga transfer
Ivory Coast striker Sébastien Haller, who recently made headlines with his unexpected move to Spanish club Leganés, will miss the start of the CAN 2025 qualifiers. The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) confirmed the unfortunate news just 48 hours after his transfer to La Liga, leaving the national team without one of its key players as they prepare to face Zambia and Chad in early September.
Haller’s sudden loan move to Leganés for the 2024-2025 season came as a surprise, both to his fans and to Borussia Dortmund, where he was previously playing.
The 30-year-old forward was initially scheduled to feature for Dortmund in their Bundesliga match against Werder Bremen this weekend.
However, an unexpected offer from Leganés arrived while Haller was en route to the match.
Recognizing the opportunity to reignite his career in Spain, Haller accepted the offer without hesitation, leading to a swift and somewhat unorthodox transfer process.
The speed of the transfer, which occurred just as the summer window was closing, meant that certain formalities were overlooked, including the player’s medical examination.
This oversight could prove costly for Leganés, as they await Haller’s arrival to complete the necessary medical tests before he can begin training with the team.
While this move represents a fresh start for Haller in La Liga, it comes at a significant cost for the Ivorian national team.
Coach Emerse Faé had included Haller in his squad for the upcoming AFCON 2025 qualifiers, counting on the striker’s experience and recent form to bolster the team’s chances.
Haller had been a standout performer during the AFCON 2023 tournament and was expected to play a crucial role in the qualifiers for the 2025 edition.
The FIF’s announcement confirmed that Haller would be unable to join the Elephants for their matches against Zambia on September 6 and Chad on September 10.
This absence leaves a notable gap in the squad, as the team gears up for two important fixtures in their quest to secure a spot in the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the disappointment for the national team, Haller’s transfer to Leganés is seen as a pivotal moment in his club career.
The move to Spain offers him a chance to rediscover his form and enjoy his football once again, following a challenging period at Borussia Dortmund.
Haller, who previously starred for clubs like Ajax Amsterdam, is expected to bring his goal-scoring prowess and experience to a Leganés side eager to make an impact in La Liga this season.
As Haller embarks on this new chapter in his career, Ivory Coast fans will be hoping for his swift return to the national team.
Meanwhile, the Elephants must regroup and prepare to face their upcoming opponents without their talismanic striker, knowing that the road to AFCON 2025 qualification just became a bit more challenging.
