Sebastien Haller admits risk at Utrecht has not paid off

Sebastien Haller’s return to FC Utrecht has not gone to plan, with the former Borussia Dortmund striker struggling to make an impact in the Eredivisie this season.

The 31-year-old signed a one-year deal last summer, hoping to restart his career at a familiar club, but his future now looks uncertain after a difficult campaign.

Haller has featured in 25 competitive matches for Utrecht, starting 13 times, but has managed just one goal and three assists. Club owner Frans van Seumeren openly admitted they expected far more from the forward, reflecting on the gamble they took in bringing him back.

“We took a risk and it went wrong. He wanted to see if he could make it back to the top at his beloved club Utrecht, where he would get playing time. But that didn’t happen. Everyone at the club likes him. That’s why it hurts so much.”

Injuries, including a recent bruised rib, have hampered Haller’s rhythm, and it is unclear how much he will feature for the rest of the season. Coach Ron Jans recently used him off the bench and stressed that the striker must build fitness and overtake Artem Stepanov and David Min in the pecking order.
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