The race for this generational talent is going to be hotly contested – but where could the transfer battle for Jude Bellingham lead the young England star?
‘Everybody Wants Him’: Transfer Battle for Jude Bellingham
Why Jude Bellingham Wears Number 22
Mike Dodds, Jude Bellingham’s former youth coach at Birmingham City, said that the prodigy wears the number 22 because he is the combination of a four, eight and a ten – a box-to-box midfielder with boundless versatility, endless energy and limitless potential.
Since then he has signed for Borussia Dortmund, and become one of the most coveted and electrifying footballers in the world; Bellingham has netted nine goals in 22 appearances this season and enjoyed a blistering World Cup campaign that has catapulted him into the European limelight.
Dortmund have already prepared for his exit but expect an astronomical fee for the player out of contract in 2025.
According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenburg, the Germans are “already planning for his summer exit in 2023.”
He added: “Dortmund are very happy with Jude Bellingham’s World Cup performance so far because he’s becoming even more valuable from the financial point of view.”
Transfer Battle for Jude Bellingham: Where Could Bellingham Go?
Liverpool
The Reds were on the cusp of immortality last season when a potential quadruple was on the line, but now desperately languish in 9th position. Part of the reason for this slump is Liverpool’s ageing and underperforming midfield which is crying out for an overhaul and Bellingham would be the perfect remedy.
Ben Jacobs labelled the Merseysiders as the “frontrunners” for his signature. “They have already put in a lot of legwork,” he said.
Bellingham has already developed a close bond with Jordan Henderson on and off the pitch during international duty – his marauding forward run and pass set up Liverpool’s captain for a simple finish during England’s World Cup victory over Senegal.
The careers of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo have been ravaged by injuries, whilst Fabinho and Henderson lack the athleticism to sustain Jurgen Klopp’s relentless pressing style of play. Liverpool require a consistent and robust midfielder to reinvigorate the club, and it appears they will try everything to bring Bellingham to Anfield.
Chelsea
In the new era of the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership, Chelsea are enduring a torrid season as they have slumped to 10th in the league. Similarly to Liverpool, their midfield has been overrun and desperately needs a goalscorer or creator who provides a threat. Since the summer of 2019, the Blues have only signed one central midfielder, the youthful Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa last summer – but he has failed to displace any of the senior members of the squad.
Jorginho and N’Golo Kante’s contracts expire in the summer, and Matt Law reported that Chelsea are reluctant to offer the Italian a new deal, but are more seriously considering the possibility of extending the Frenchman’s time in West London. Nevertheless, the Blues will be losing at least one midfielder, which would create space for Bellingham.
Chelsea are also one of the clubs linked to former academy starlet Declan Rice, but Bellingham is an equally attractive option.
Read More: Fabrizio Romano Gives Cagey Update on ‘Top’ Chelsea Target Fans Won’t Like
Real Madrid
Los Blancos stalwarts Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are both out of contract this summer – the loss of two club legends would need a revered and mouth-watering replacement, which could come in the form of Dortmund’s starman.
Birmingham-born Bellingham could join the next wave of generational midfielders at the Santiago Bernabéu, which is already home to Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.
The 14-time European champions are not afraid of spending in the midfield – they spent around £88 million on Tchouaméni last summer. Bellingham would signify a modern-day galáctico signing, as club president Lucas Perez will still be seething over the Kylian Mbappé fiasco, and would undoubtedly be unfazed by the price tag.
Manchester City
The best attracts the best – the Cityzens have won four of the last five Premier Leagues and will look to add increased firepower to a midfield that could possibly lose Ilkay Gundogan in the summer.
Jacobs described City as “Liverpool’s most serious rival for Bellingham currently.”
Moreover, he revealed that Erling Haaland has already advised his former teammate to join him in Manchester. The opportunity of joining up with Pep Guardiola and reuniting with the Norwegian marksman is a devilish prospect, and will certainly be on Bellingham’s radar.
Paris Saint-Germain
Another European juggernaut with immense spending power was always going to be interested in the next up-and-coming prodigy.
Although Liverpool, Real Madrid and Man City are reportedly the most interested, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi disclosed to Sky Sports that his side are also huge admirers of the Englishman. He said: “Everybody wants him, I’m not going to hide it. He’s at his club, and (we have) respect, so if we want to talk to him we’ll talk to the club first.”
Although, Jacobs has suggested that Bellingham “isn’t sold on a move to Ligue 1,” it would be foolish to rule out a club that would be brazenly open to matching any Dortmund valuation.
An Open and Competitive Race
Dortmund’s (and Birmingham City’s) youngest-ever goalscorer has earned himself a plethora of exciting and lucrative opportunities heading into a life-changing summer.
England, Spain and France will be fighting to showcase the unparalleled brilliance of Bellingham on a weekly basis.
Whoever lands his signature will have secured a player that will dominate Europe for years to come.
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