Frank Lampard tried to sign Erling Haaland for Chelsea

Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has revealed that he previously tried to sign superstar Erling Haaland. Lampard apparently made the approach for the striker in 2019, when he was in his first season as Blues boss. Haaland was at RB Salzburg at the time. Ultimately, Borussia Dortmund won the race to sign the star in January 2020.

“He’s an incredible player and the best top-level players can usually do what he does in a top-level league,” Lampard said Friday. “I trained against him in a pre-season game when he was playing for Salzburg. I tried to sign him for Chelsea and it couldn’t be”.

Erling Haaland for Chelsea? Lampard faces Haaland instead

Lampard made the confession as his team will face Haaland on Saturday. While still at Blue, Lampard now manages Everton. The Toffees are struggling this season and only one point above the relegation zone. Haaland and Manchester City, on the other hand, are in a battle with Arsenal for the Premier League title. Lampard spoke about the preparation of the best center forward in the world.

“It was clear in our pre-game buildup what this guy was. Fair play for him,” Lampard said. “We are going against him and I respect those who are at the top of his game. I watched the World Cup final with [Kylian] Mbappe and [Lionel] Messi and Haaland got into that group at a very young age.

“[Stopping him] It is a task for its qualities and power. We are all seeing it. There is nothing but respect there. When you go against him you have to try not to give him the space he wants. He can hurt you in a moment.