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Sebastian Haller has joined FC Utrecht permanently from Borussia Dortmund.
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The 31-year-old overcame cancer and scored Ivory Coast’s AFCON winner.
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Utrecht welcomed back a proven striker.
Sebastian Haller has completed a permanent move from Borussia Dortmund to FC Utrecht after spending the second half of last season on loan at the Dutch club, Utrecht confirmed on Monday.
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The 31-year-old forward returns to familiar ground, having played for the club between 2015 and 2017.
The transfer sees Haller join Utrecht on a free transfer after Dortmund agreed to end his contract a year early.
He arrives match-fit from his loan spell and ready to pick up where he left off in the Eredivisie.
After his move to Dortmund from Ajax in 2022, Haller was diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after joining the German club.
He missed roughly six months for treatment before returning to play under intense scrutiny.
That period also included a high-profile penalty miss on the final day of the 2022–23 Bundesliga season that had title consequences.
Haller’s record also includes the late winning goal he scored for Ivory Coast in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.
For Utrecht, the signing brings experience, finishing ability and immediate cohesion.
Having already spent time at the club this year, Haller understands the team’s style and can step straight into the coach’s plans, boosting their attacking options as the season progresses.
For Borussia Dortmund, letting Haller leave early cleared squad space and simplified their plans.
Looking ahead, the move offers Haller a chance to reset and rebuild momentum in a place where he previously prospered.
Fans will watch to see whether his past form and international pedigree translate into consistent goals for Utrecht this season.
