In a worrying turn of events, an African star has been diagnosed with a testicular tumour just two weeks after joining his new club in Europe.
Having recently signed a four-year deal with Borussia Dortmund after impressing for Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam last season – he scored 32 goals across all competitions, including 10 strikes in the UEFA Champions League – centre-forward Sebastien Haller has now been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening testicular tumour.
Scroll through the gallery above to see Haller's first few weeks as a Dortmund player
The 28-year-old, who joined the black and yellow outfit as Erling Haaland's replacement in a deal worth £26.29 million (R536 million), according to The Athletic, has returned to Germany from the team's training camp in Switzerland for further tests following the discovery.
"Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller had to leave the BVB training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, early due to illness and has already travelled back to Dortmund," a statement on BVB's official website confirmed.
"The 28-year-old international from the Ivory Coast complained of being unwell after training on Monday morning.
"In the course of intensive medical examinations, a tumour was finally discovered in the testicles during the course of the day. During the coming days, further examinations will take place in a specialised medical center."
The club's sporting director Sebastian Kehl also shared his shock at the situation.
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"This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and to all of us," he said.
"The entire BVB family wishes Sebastien a full recovery as soon as possible and that we can hug him again soon. We will do everything in our power to ensure that he receives the best possible treatment."
Haller's previous manager Erik ten Hag, now in charge of Manchester United, also commented on the news involving his former player.
"It's horrible. I've a fantastic relationship with him, a fantastic friend," the ex-Ajax boss said after the Red Devils' win over Crystal Palace in a friendly on Tuesday afternoon.
"It's my striker for several years – when you have such news, it's devastating.
"My thoughts are with him and his family."
The Signal Iduna Park team has asked for privacy regarding the matter out of respect for the player and his family. They also confirmed that any further information will be communicated upon consultation with the former West Ham United striker.
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