Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says “get ready” for a massive fight next summer to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
Writing in his “Daily Briefing” column for CaughtOffside, Romano names Real Madrid, Liverpool, United and Manchester City as the main candidates for the prodigy’s signing.
“Next summer is going to be a crazy, crazy race,” says Romano.
“My sources tell me: get ready. Bellingham’s career will be among many top clubs, it will be similar to Erling Haaland’s career.
“Liverpool needs a new midfielder, so they will try for sure. Real Madrid are also looking for midfielders, they have been following Bellingham for a long time. In England, Man City and Man United have also been following him for a long time.
United will hope to be in a stronger position to go for the England international than for Haaland. The club’s shaky fortunes and lack of Champions League football meant it was nearly impossible to compete with the likes of City for the Norwegian’s signature.
If United move forward with Erik ten Hag and close the gap to their rivals, then there could be a chance of attracting Bellingham, whom they tried to sign when Dortmund got him two summers ago.
Romano states that “it was never close between Man United and Bellingham in the past. They were interested along with many other clubs, including Premier League teams and Juventus, but he only wanted Borussia Dortmund as the perfect step for his future.” However, fans will remember the red carpet treatment United gave the then 17-year-old, including a tour of the Carrington training facility and a personal audience with Sir Alex Ferguson as United desperately tried to lure him to Old Trafford.
The former Birmingham City man is the youngest player to be capped for England, aged 16 years and 38 days.
At the age of 19, he has already made 15 appearances for England and looks set to play a major role for the Three Lions in the upcoming World Cup.
Unlike Haaland, Bellingham does not have a buyout clause in his contract, so any transfer fee is expected to exceed €100m and potentially more if he shines on the big stage in Qatar.
With a contract at Signal Iduna Park that runs until 2025, the German club have all the aces as the world’s elite push and stop to land a rare talent.
United Matchday Magazine: The Ultimate Pre-Match Experience Get ready for aggression and entertainment. United are on a mission to Moldova. And the new issue of Matchday Mag is out now!
Online football content like you’ve never seen before A unique match hub and carefully curated news, features and opinions No ads, no clickbait, no fake news – just 100% pure United Delivered instantly to your device with easy online ordering and secure Click Preview to see more or buy now for just £1.25 / $1.50 Limited Time Offer: SAVE 33% On A Season Pass – Use Discount Code SEASON33 At Checkout.
