Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - September 14, 2022, Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham in action.
Manchester City are eyeing a shock move to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Three-horse race
The 19-year-old’s contract in the Bundesliga isn’t set to expire until 2025, but it’s believed he’s keen on making the move back to England and he isn’t short of potential suitors.
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool have both been credited with an interest in the England international, but the Sky Blues’ name has now entered the fold, and it’s set to become a three-horse race for his signature.
The Latest: Man City eyeing Bellingham
According to The Athletic (via City Xtra on Twitter), Pep Guardiola’s side are monitoring Bellingham, though will have to seriously splash the cash if they want to be successful in their pursuit.
“Man City are one of several clubs retaining a strong interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. If Bellingham pushes for a move, Dortmund are adamant he is valued at around €150M (£130m).”
The Verdict: One for the future
City’s current midfielders – the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan (both 31) – aren’t getting any younger, so it would be beneficial to make a more youthful, longer-term signing, and Bellingham would be the perfect candidate to play in front of Kalvin Phillips long into the future.
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The ‘outrageous’ Euro 2020 star, as hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, currently averages 2.9 tackles and 2.6 shots per league game for Dortmund (WhoScored), highlighting his ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.
Bellingham will know Erling Haaland well having played together at the Westfalenstadion, so this existing connection could give City an advantage over their competitors in the race to sign the Stourbridge-born talent.
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