Haaland trapped between his plans and a persistent injury

Erling Haaland has undoubtedly seen better days. 

While the future of the Norwegian striker remains a mystery, his performances are not only being affected by his current injury status, but also a major decision that lies ahead.

It is unknown if the 21-year-old is taking notice of the media reports trying to investigate his future, as it seems a done deal he is leaving Borussia Dortmund at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Taking all reports for granted, only Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are left out of the range of interested clubs able and willing to bear the load of a complete package that will reportedly be worth 350 million euros.

Rumors in England speak of Manchester United and Liverpool having pulled out of a potential move, with Haaland demanding to participate in next season's UEFA Champions League.

At least United most likely will not be able to offer that.

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp told magazine Sport-Bild that the Reds won't address his agents' demands. "No chance. The figures reported are crazy, that's nothing we talk about, that's no fun," he stated.

Other reports speak of the Norwegian having rejected offers from Barcelona, while his father Alf-Inge Haaland and his agent Mino Raiola are said to demand a signing-on bonus of over 30 million euros each.

Unconfirmed news speaks of a final decision that will be made by April.

In the center of the turbulence, fans see a young man trying to find his way.

"I have suffered from injuries this season far too often," the striker commented, after having already missed 16 games this campaign.

"It's not his future that is his most pressing issue," Dortmund coach Marco Rose assumed.

Having not scored for 185 minutes, a persistent foot injury is causing the difficulties on the pitch that have become apparent to everyone at present.

"He does not easily take painkillers, but he did today," Rose added after Dortmund's 2-0 victory in Stuttgart this Friday, with Haaland again not scoring.

"Today he contributed his share to the benefit of the team," Rose said after Donyell Malen was side-lined with injury, causing problems upfront for Dortmund.

"Erling is a world-class striker and people start to count minutes for one like him. That happened to others too. Don't forget, the assists for one of our goals came from him," the coach mentioned.

In Stuttgart, Haaland again appeared frustrated over the 90 minutes, as things didn't develop in his favor. For him, small steps are not enough, as his teammates and coaches describe him as an ambitious, and therefore impatient, footballer.

"We don't know what he is up to," Rose said. "We will soon know, I hope."

To receive a clear and reliable message has become a must for Dortmund as the club is facing significant changes regarding next season's squad. Reports speak of growing unrest in the club and among its fans, who are eager to find out what's next and how to reinvest the reported transfer fee of up to 85 million euros.

There seems only one way out of the current muddle. Haaland has to make a decision and open the door to a better future.