Where Jude Bellingham will play his football next season has been strongly suggested amid a private Real Madrid admission, with Liverpool and Man City both learning of Borussia Dortmund’s new asking price, per a report.
The future of Jude Bellingham promises to be the upcoming summer’s biggest transfer saga. The England ace is already one of world football’s premier central midfielders. Any doubts as to whether Bellingham could cut it at a higher level were emphatically put to bed with England in Qatar.
Bellingham’s three primary suitors are widely known to be Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid. However, per the Athletic, the latter are privately resigned to missing out.
They report Los Blancos have toiled away for months behind the scenes and will continue to pursue a move.
However, the financial might of the Premier League is deemed ‘almost unbeatable’ and as such, Real are ‘becoming resigned’ to the fact Bellingham will wind up back in England.
Real’s only hope reportedly stems from a scenario where Bellingham only has eyes for Real. They were able to snatch Aurelien Tchouameni from Liverpool’s grasp in the summer of 2022 that way, though there’s no indication Bellingham favours Real at present.
It appears to now be a straight battle between Liverpool and Man City, though bombshell news regarding the latter on Monday has cast doubt on their ability to pursue a move.
Man City charged by the Premier League
A four-year investigation by the Premier League has resulted in more than 100 charges being levied against City.
They’re alleged to have repeatedly breached financial regulations and possible punishments include a points deduction or even expulsion from the league if the charges are proven.
City will no doubt fight the case, though for the time being, blockbuster moves for £100m+ players like Bellingham may take a back seat.
Liverpool are thus the clear frontrunner at present and are understood to have done the most legwork behind the scenes.
The Reds are also the team in greatest need of midfield reinforcements. Jurgen Klopp has repeatedly stressed his side will buy the right player, not just any player, and Bellingham clearly fits that billing.
The Reds should also have money to spend given they kept their powder relatively dry in January. Just Cody Gakpo bolstered the ranks to the tune of an initial £37m.
However, should the Reds secure the high profile coup for Bellingham, a new British transfer record may be required.
Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez is the new holder of that record following his £106.8m arrival from Benfica. The Athletic add it is ‘very unlikely’ Dortmund sell Bellingham for anything less than £110m.
For their part, the German giant still retain faint hope Bellingham will pen fresh terms in Dortmund.
However, history has shown Dortmund rarely retain their star players for the long haul and Bellingham isn’t likely to be an exception to that rule.
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