Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund have signed a classic number nine: 19-year-old Erling Braut Haaland, the most exciting young striker in Europe, is moving from Salzburg to join the eight-time German champions. The Norwegian has penned a deal which will keep him at the club until 30 June 2024.

BVB have notified Haaland's current employers that all contractual conditions necessary for the completion of the transfer will be met in good time.

''Despite receiving numerous offers from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, Erling Haaland has decided that the best option for his career is to come and join our project here at BVB. Our persistence has paid off,'' said Hans-Joachim Watzke, Chief Executive Officer of Borusia Dortmund. Sporting Director Michael Zorc, who led the negotiations with Haaland and his representatives, was equally positive in his assessment: ''We can all look forward to having an ambitious, athletic and physically imposing centre-forward here at the club. Haaland boasts a real eye for goal and impressive speed, and we are confident that we can develop him even further here in Dortmund. At just 19 years of age, he is at the very start of what promises to be an incredible career!''

Haaland has given various demonstrations of his outstanding qualities over the past few months. In the 14 league matches he played for Salzburg this season, the Norwegian scored 16 goals and provided six assists, while in the UEFA Champions League, the towering centre-forward has scored eight goals and provided one assist in his six appearances in the competition.

Haaland recently spent a few days in Dortmund to get a feel for the club and familiarise himself with the training facilities. ''I had several intense conversations with the club's management team, in particular with Hans-Joachim Watzke, Michael Zorc and coach Lucien Favre. Right from the very start, I knew I wanted to move here. I can't wait to get started and play in front of over 80,000 fans in the incredible Dortmund atmosphere. I'm so excited,'' said Haaland.

Haaland will join the first-team squad on 3 January before departing for winter training camp in Marbella (Spain) the following day.