Football Nigérien
Former Elephants star makes a big deal about Haller: “At 29, this is what he has to do”
The summer transfer window is in full swing and is slowly coming to an end. In Ivory Coast, the situation of Sébastien Haller, who played a secondary role at Dortmund last season, is a major concern. Without mincing words, a former national team leader showed the former Ajax Amsterdam striker the way.
Last year, Haller was hampered by injuries, resulting in the lowest playing time of his professional career with just 19 appearances for a total of 524 minutes (6 starts, 3 goals, 1 assist). That's not much for a forward of his stature, especially considering his key goals, such as the one he scored off the bench against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League in April, as well as the semi-final and final of the 2023 AFCON with Côte d'Ivoire.
And as if that were not enough, the Elephants' striker (27 caps, 10 goals), already supplanted by the German Niclas Füllkrug, must now face competition from the Guinean international Serhou Guirassy, who arrived this summer from Stuttgart with the title of second best scorer of the last Bundesliga season (28 goals in 28 matches). This could further reduce his already limited playing time.
“He must leave Dortmund”
Under contract until 2026, the reigning African champion should consider seeking new opportunities elsewhere, according to his compatriot and former Elephants striker, Bonaventure Kalou. To get more playing time, he is 29, he is at his peak. Before the start of the season, the cards are dealt, we know who will be the starter. He knows his place, the best for him would be to leave. I would advise him to find a club where he could play regularly, “ said the former Paris Saint-Germain player in an exclusive interview with Afrik-Foot.
“He's a world-class striker who deserves to be seen every weekend. Last season was difficult for him, he was sick and then injured. He needs to play every weekend, he needs to leave Dortmund.” he added. For the moment, no indication of departure from the person concerned has been revealed. However, the situation could evolve quickly by the end of the transfer window.