Manchester City and Liverpool have joined Chelsea in the race for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham. The teenager has established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the world, and is now attracting interest from the top clubs back home, in England.
Bellingham joined Borussia Dortmund last summer, and his number 22 jersey was retired by Birmingham City when he left. Since moving to the German side, Bellingham has been very impressive and also earned a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.
Dortmund had to sell Jadon Sancho this summer for a sum around €85 million, and Erling Haaland could be their next big sale. The Norwegian has a release clause worth €75 million that becomes active in 2022. So, the black and yellow club is under no financial pressure to sell one of their brightest young stars.
Should any club want him next summer, they will at least have to offer Dortmund €100 million. The 18-year-old is being eyed as the replacement for Fernandinho at Manchester City. The Brazilian is 36, and only has one year remaining on his current contract. It is unlikely that City will renew his deal again given his age.
So, recruiting a talented youngster like Bellingham to be the anchor in midfield could be their best option. However, they will have to pay a big fee if they want to snap up the player next summer. City are also being linked with Declan Rice of West Ham United, and could launch a bid for him next summer if they choose to look elsewhere.
