Erling Haaland remains interested in a future move to Real Madrid but will stay at Manchester City next season, according to Hans-Joachim Watzke.
The Borussia Dortmund chief dismissed recent claims from Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme, who said he would bring both Haaland and Jürgen Klopp to the Santiago Bernabeu if elected.
Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Watzke said Klopp has no plans to return to management despite continued speculation linking him with several top clubs.
“Klopp is a fantastic coach and has shown that throughout his career, but he has no intention of returning to the bench at the moment,” Watzke said.
“He knows exactly what he wants to do and managing a club is not part of his plans right now. We speak regularly, and his position is very clear.”
Klopp enjoyed huge success during his time at Dortmund before moving to Liverpool, where he won the Premier League and Champions League.
Watzke also addressed Haaland’s future, revealing that the Norway international has long admired Real Madrid but is not considering an immediate transfer.
“I know what Erling is thinking,” Watzke said. “He admires Real Madrid and has the ambition to play there one day, but he will definitely stay at Manchester City next season.”
“There is no doubt about that. He likes Real Madrid and has never hidden it. I believe he could play there in two or three years, but not now.”
Haaland established himself as one of Europe’s most feared strikers during his spell at Dortmund before joining Manchester City, where he has continued to break scoring records.
While Real Madrid remain a possible destination in the future, Watzke made it clear that neither Haaland nor Klopp are expected to make a move to the Spanish giants anytime soon.
For now, both men appear committed to their current paths, despite continued speculation linking them with one of world football’s biggest clubs.
