Borussia Dortmund are set to part ways with Sebastien Haller this summer, but before the striker departs, the Bundesliga giants still reportedly owe him a significant amount of money. According to multiple sources, the Ivorian international is due around €2 million in outstanding payments, and his future now looks increasingly tied to a return to his former club. The 30-year-old, who has endured a turbulent spell at Signal Iduna Park, appears ready to take the next step in reviving his career.
Haller joined Dortmund in July 2022 from Ajax for a reported fee of €31 million, arriving as the man tasked with replacing Erling Haaland following the Norwegian’s blockbuster move to Manchester City. Expectations were high after Haller’s prolific seasons in the Eredivisie, where he became one of Europe’s most feared penalty-box strikers. However, shortly after signing, tragedy struck when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer during pre-season. The diagnosis ruled him out for the first half of the 2022–23 campaign, forcing him to undergo two surgeries and an intense course of chemotherapy.
When he eventually returned to the pitch in early 2023, Haller was met with widespread support from fans, teammates, and opponents alike. His comeback story inspired millions, and he even played a pivotal role in Dortmund’s push for the Bundesliga title that season, scoring crucial goals in the run-in. Unfortunately, the fairytale didn’t last. The current 2023–24 season saw Haller’s form decline sharply, as he struggled with fitness issues and found himself pushed down the pecking order by the emergence of young forward Youssoufa Moukoko and the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug.
Haller has made only a handful of starts this season, with most of his appearances coming from the bench. The lack of consistent minutes has affected his rhythm and confidence, and Dortmund’s hierarchy has now decided that a clean break would be the best option for both parties. Reports in Germany suggest that negotiations are well underway for Haller to return to his former club, widely believed to be Ajax, where he previously enjoyed the most prolific spell of his career. In Amsterdam, he scored 47 goals in 66 appearances, including a memorable Champions League campaign in which he found the net in every group-stage game.
However, before any transfer is finalised, Dortmund must resolve the matter of the €2 million they reportedly owe the striker. This sum is said to relate to performance-related bonuses and other contractual payments that have not yet been settled. While there is no indication of any dispute between the club and the player, both parties will need to iron out these financial obligations before a move can be completed.
For Dortmund, the decision to part with Haller is as much financial as it is sporting. His current contract runs until 2026, and he earns a substantial wage that no longer aligns with his role in the squad. Offloading him would free up resources to strengthen other areas of the team, especially as the club eyes reinforcements in wide attacking positions and midfield.
From Haller’s perspective, a return to familiar surroundings could be the catalyst for a much-needed career reboot. Ajax, or another former club such as Eintracht Frankfurt, could offer him the guaranteed playing time he craves, along with a tactical setup more suited to his strengths as a physical, penalty-area finisher. At 30, Haller still has several good years left at the top level, provided he can stay fit and regain his sharpness.
The striker’s time at Dortmund will be remembered for its emotional highs and frustrating lows. His remarkable recovery from cancer and the way he fought back to help the club challenge for the title will always be cherished by supporters. However, football is a results-driven business, and the lack of sustained impact in his second season has ultimately left him surplus to requirements.
If the move materialises, it will also close a chapter on one of Dortmund’s more expensive recent signings. The club invested heavily in Haller in the hope he would spearhead their attack for years, but unforeseen circumstances and the natural unpredictability of the game have brought that plan to an early end. The €2 million owed will be settled as part of the departure process, allowing both sides to move forward without lingering financial tension.
In the wider picture, Haller’s situation highlights the often-complex financial realities behind player transfers. Contracts are rarely straightforward, with various clauses, appearance fees, and bonuses that can continue to affect a club’s balance sheet long after a player’s role has diminished. For Dortmund, it is a reminder that strategic squad planning must also factor in long-term financial commitments, especially in an era where the Bundesliga’s financial competitiveness lags behind that of the Premier League and other top leagues.
As the summer transfer window progresses, all signs point toward Haller’s exit becoming one of the early moves to be confirmed. For the player, it represents an opportunity to reignite his career in a familiar setting. For Dortmund, it is a necessary step in reshaping their squad for the future. And for fans, it will be a bittersweet goodbye to a player who, despite the challenges, gave everything he could in black and yellow.
If the transfer back to his former team is completed smoothly, Sebastien Haller could yet enjoy a renaissance, proving that sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to where it all clicke
d in the first place.
