Erling Haaland looks set to leave Nike for PUMA after it was revealed that the German sports brand played a pivotal role in the teenager signing for Borussia Dortmund from RB Salzburg. Haaland had been one of the most in demand forward's in world football with a number of top European clubs chasing his signature, but PUMA reportedly stepped in to give Dortmund the edge in the race.
Haaland's immense scoring record for club and country was all done in Nike boots but the fact that he's been wearing completely whiteout Mercurials, devoid of any Swoosh, signalled the move to Dortmund was wrapped up long before any speculation began. As it stands, Haaland is still officially a Nike player, but the wheels are in full motion for a probable switch to PUMA.
Haaland's fellow countryman, Bjorn Gulden, just so happens to be the CEO of PUMA, and he was a key figure in helping to orchestrate the move to Dortmund. As part of the negotiations between the club and player it is thought that Dortmund roped in PUMA to offer Haaland a lucrative sponsorship package to eclipse his current deal with the Swoosh. Of course, nothing is set in stone until it's signed and revealed, and Nike will be keen to keep one of the most talented young strikers in the game. Throw in the fact that Haaland's agent is Mino Raiola and you can expect that a counter offer is being fished for.
Quite conveniently PUMA is a shareholder of Borussia Dortmund, and throughout the long-partnership with the club the brand has poached a number of top BVB players into their ranks including Marco Reus, Axel Witsel, Łukasz Piszczek and Marc Bartra. As it stands you'd expect that there's a very tempting offer on the table from PUMA for Haaland if it hasn't been signed already, time will tell if Nike can better it.
