Transfer Centre

Frank Leboeuf fires Chelsea warning over Erling Braut Haaland interest

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 23 March 2021

Leboeuf fires Chelsea warning over Haaland interest

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf warns his former side that signing Erling Braut Haaland could prove disastrous if their attackers struggle to gel.

Former Chelsea and France defender Frank Leboeuf has warned the Blues that signing Erling Braut Haaland could be a "disaster" if they fail to get the chemistry right.

The Borussia Dortmund man is being linked with almost every top side in Europe following his remarkable campaign with the Black and Yellow, and Chelsea are one of several teams expected to battle for his signature this summer.

However, during a season where Chelsea's summer signings under Frank Lampard have often struggled to gel, Leboeuf has urged caution over adding yet another attacker to the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Chelsea man said: "Haaland is a beast. Of course it would be a plus for Chelsea.

"But now you have to think financially and economically, and you also have to also think and make sure your dressing room is going to be following the coach.

"If you put Haaland [in the team] you lose [Olivier] Giroud, but you might lose [Kai] Havertz, you might lose [Timo] Werner as well. What about [Christian] Pulisic? Where are you going to play [Hakim] Ziyech?. That is an equation that you have to make sure is going to work and that the results are going to be good for the club.

"You can add talents, that is not a problem. But you have to make sure the chemistry works. Otherwise it is going for disaster. Having only talent doesn't make sure you are going to win something."

While Haaland is believed to possess a £65m release clause which activates in 2022, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all expected to engage in a fierce bidding war for the £100m-rated Norwegian this summer.