Ivory Coast international Sébastian Haller has joined Dutch side FC Utrecht on loan for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
Haller etched his name into Ivorian football history by scoring the lone goal in a tense semifinal victory over DR Congo and then sealing a dramatic 2-1 win against Nigeria in the final.
His decisive strike in the championship game broke Nigerian hearts and secured the Ivory Coast’s second AFCON title, cementing his legacy as a national hero.
(Photo Credit Getty images)
However, despite his international triumphs, Haller has endured a challenging club season.
After joining Spanish La Liga side Leganés on loan from Borussia Dortmund, the striker struggled for form and playing time. He failed to score in the league and logged just 15 minutes of action since October.
( Photo credit Getty images)
Haller started his loan spell brightly, featuring in four of Leganés’ first five matches.
But a poor performance against Atlético Madrid saw him fall out of favor, with injuries and tactical changes further limiting his opportunities.
⚪️🔴🤝 Sebastien Haller joins FC Utrecht on loan from Borussia Dortmund, back to the club.
Leganes loan, cancelled. ❌🚫 pic.twitter.com/eEVHQ51wmc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 9, 2025
His sole goal for the Spanish outfit came in a preseason friendly against Fuenlabrada.
Dortmund recalled the striker and facilitated his return to Utrecht, where he previously enjoyed a stellar spell between 2015 and 2017, scoring 51 goals in 98 appearances.
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Utrecht, currently third in the Eredivisie, believe Haller’s return can bolster their push for European qualification.
Financial hurdles were overcome to finalize the deal. Utrecht will pay €1 million for the loan, with Haller agreeing to forgo part of his salary from Leganés. Dortmund will cover the remaining balance to ensure the move’s success.
Now back in the Netherlands, the AFCON hero has an opportunity to reignite his club career while helping Utrecht sustain their impressive form.
For Haller, the return to familiar surroundings may offer the perfect stage to rediscover his best.
