Chelsea could be making a mistake by using intermediaries in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
Manchester United have used a similar strategy in their long-standing pursuit of Jadon Sancho, but it has resulted in frustration for the most part.
Intermediaries’ role in football is to be a neutral party and ensure transfers are completed in the best interest of both the buying and selling club.
According to Sky Germany, Chelsea are sounding out details through intermediaries as they leave ‘no stone unturned’ in talks for Haaland.
The 20-year-old superstar has become one of the hottest properties in Europe after scoring a stunning 57 goals in 59 games in all competitions for Dortmund.
Chelsea will hope intermediaries will help move a deal on, but United found out the hard way that it doesn’t always benefit clubs to use an intermediary.
Last summer, United used agent Marco Lichtsteiner as an intermediary as they sought a deal for Sancho.
However, negotiations continuously stalled, and United made little progress, with Dortmund determined to keep the player.
Despite Sancho agreeing personal terms over a move to Old Trafford, it collapsed due to the Bundesliga club’s hefty valuation.
This summer, there have been no reports of the use of intermediaries as United look set to secure the £73million transfer of Sancho.
Considering Dortmund’s valuation of Haaland is likely to be even higher, Chelsea may face similar issues in their pursuit.
The Blues aren’t short of cash, which they perfectly demonstrated this time last year with a phenomenal transfer window.
However, with Haaland set to be available for £65m next summer due to a clause in his current contract, paying over the odds is a gamble.
At the same time, it would be wise to attempt to beat the crowd to the Norwegian ace because interest in his services next year will be even riper.
According to reports, Chelsea haven’t submitted an opening offer for Haaland yet.
If intermediaries are at work, Dortmund will have stated their asking price and are unlikely to be lenient.
Intermediaries or not, if Chelsea meet the selling club’s demands, they are likely to secure their man.
However, it would require a more than handsome figure that may prove too difficult to conjure up.