Manchester United have never been close to signing English midfielder Jude Bellingham, confirms Fabrizio Romano. The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund star is likely to get a move to a major European club next year after deciding to spend one more season with the Bundesliga side in the summer.
Jude Bellingham Never Close to Manchester United Transfer
Bellingham’s Road to Borussia Dortmund
The English midfielder was so good for Birmingham City’s senior team that they decided to retire the no.22 shirt that he used to wear after leaving the club. As he was ready to make a move to a prominent European side in the summer of 2020, the Red Devils reportedly tried hard to sign him and even used ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson as a potential sweetener in an attempt to convince him to join.
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However, Romano has set the record straight over exactly how close the England international was to joining the Manchester side in 2020 – or at any time in the last two years. He’s stated that United were only among a number of Premier League sides – as well as Juventus – who were interested in signing Bellingham a few years ago. But they never got close to securing his services as the midfielder only wanted to join Dortmund as he considered it the ‘perfect step’ in the steady development of his career.
Bellingham Set for Potential Transfer War in 2023
Romano adds that a ‘crazy, crazy race’ between many clubs for the acquisition of the English midfielder in the summer transfer window next year – even though Dortmund will try their best to keep him at least for another campaign. The race to sign him will be similar to the one surrounding Erling Haaland, who was desired by a number of major clubs before he joined Manchester City in the summer.
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According to Romano, Liverpool are going to make an attempt to sign him, while they could face competition from Real Madrid. United and City are also interested, having followed his progress for a long time. Bellingham has had a rapid development at the Bundesliga club and was even dubbed as an ‘incredible player’ by ex-teammate Haaland last season. The 19-year-old midfielder has made 98 appearances for Dortmund so far, scoring 12 goals and providing 18 assists – while also making 15 appearances for the England national team already.
Pep Guardiola: “Jude Bellingham is an exceptional, great player. I think everyone knows it, not just because the manager of Manchester City tells you!”. ⭐️🏴 #MCFC
“Everybody knows it, Bellingham is a top player”, @TomYoungSJ reports. pic.twitter.com/ZNbtoUHyOY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 14, 2022
