Man United, Liverpool, Real Madrid? Where next for Jude Bellingham?
- Graeme Bailey
- 20 September 2021
Bellingham is continuing to break records at Dortmund but could the teen sensation be out the door in 2022? Graeme Bailey looks at where his next destination could be.
Bellingham, 18, is emerging as one of the best young midfielders in world soccer, a label that had been attached to him since he made a breakthrough at Birmingham City in his early teens.
Bellingham joined Dortmund in 2020, having first signed a professional deal with his hometown club to ensure they received sufficient compensation for him.
In moving to Germany, Bellingham turned down the offer to join Manchester United - a decision that looks to have been a very mature and astute decision from the teenager and his family.
But would he do it for a second time? United are very much still on Bellingham's trail but they are not alone.
Nearly every major club in world soccer is credited with an interest in the player whose price tag is now believed to be at least £100million.
Planet Sport's Graeme Bailey assesses Bellingham's options should he choose to leave Dortmund in 2022.
Manchester United
It is no secret United love the young Brummie, but last time they came calling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could not persuade him to join the Red Devils revolution.
Well, United do want a midfielder - although a holding player is more on their radar with Declan Rice in their sights.
However, there is no doubting with Paul Pogba also potentially leaving that United could find a place for Bellingham in their ranks.
United are one of the favourites to land Bellingham and having already secured Jadon Sancho, they have very good links with Dortmund - so it can't be ruled out.
Chelsea
While they are well stocked in midfield, it is understood that they are in the market for more.
They broke their transfer record in paying £97.5million to bring Romelu Lukaku back to England, could they bring another star back to these shores for that sort of money?
With Thomas Tuchel targeting domestic dominance to add to their success in Europe, Bellingham could be the man they go for.
Manchester City
They already love his Dortmund team-mates Erling Haaland and Gio Reyna, would they be interested in a third? You bet.
City paying £100million for Jack Grealish this summer shows they are not afraid to spend big on British talent.
Liverpool
Liverpool are a longer price than their big-four Premier League rivals, but that could be very good value.
Captain Jordan Henderson may have signed a new deal but he is not getting any younger and don't forget Jurgen Klopp's men have not signed a fully fledged replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
The Reds have kept tabs on Bellingham since his Birmingham days and could secure his signature at a decent price.
Real Madrid
Bellingham has already shown his liking for moving abroad and what better destination than Madrid?
Yes, they have already concluded a deal for Camavinga, but he is more of a holding player and we know Madrid are in for Pogba.
Should they miss out on the Frenchman then Bellingham is a tantalising option.
Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich have never been shy in luring players from rivals Dortmund and they will have been impressed with Bellingham's progress in the Bundesliga.
Is there room for him at Bayern, though?
Quite possibly. And as we have seen in the 2021 window you can never say never. Bayern may be moving on from star striker Robert Lewandowski, which would free up cash for another big-money deal.
