Liverpool, Man Utd, Real Madrid? Which club is right for Bellingham?

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is one of the names on everyone’s lips when considering who is the best young player in world football. (He is fourth on ESPN’s 39 U21 list from April.)

Still just 19 years old, Bellingham has made his mark in the German Bundesliga over the past two years since his €30 million transfer from Birmingham City in 2020. Currently, Dortmund values ​​his services at more than 120 million. euros, but there is no release clause. contract (unlike Erling Haalandwho moved to Manchester City for 60 million euros from Dortmund this summer), the sky is the limit for Bellingham.

Some of the top clubs in Europe have followed England international, so who needs him the most? And what suits his playing style?

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LIVERPOOL

Liverpool crying for a midfielder of Bellingham’s technical and physical attributes. As manager Jurgen Klopp prepares the club for their next phase of development, the entire midfield could be set up for renovation over the next few transfer windows. Because of injury or poor form, Klopp seems to have had to tinker in midfield without seeming to find the right combinations.

More than just preventing injury Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from having a steady stream of activity in the group, but the next generation of 21-year-olds Curtis Jones and 19 years old Harvey Elliott still unconvinced that their long-term future is in the heart of midfield. Then there is the question of how long veterans James Milner (36) and Jordan Henderson (32) can continue to deal with the intensity and dynamism needed to get through 40 to 50 games a season. The only real certainty is Fabinho (28) will provide the anchor.

With all the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s current midfield, Bellingham’s fitness (he hardly ever misss a game) and versatility would be perfect for Klopp, and he has the potential The ability to take on the playing duties of another vulnerable midfielder: Thiago Alcantara. But one question remains: How coveted would Bellingham be to join an active group? He will be a central part of any team he joins, but at Anfield he will likely be shuffled around rather than moved into a more stable role.

MANCHESTER CITY

The City of Manchester The midfield seems to be a smooth and well-oiled machine, but there are still a few reasons why the Manchester Blues are interested in Bellingham. While the organizational midfielder role is covered by Rodri and Kalvin Phillips, Guardiola’s tendency to leave room for rotation, swapping and creativity among more classy attacking central midfielders would suit Bellingham well. Indeed, the former Birmingham star’s versatility – his past projects have included a wide midfield and No 10 – will likely have Pep Guardiola rubbing his hands in anticipation.

In addition, the long-term future of Bernardo Silva – with reported interest from both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – can also become the theme in the summer again, while Ilkay GundoganThe contract’s current deal expires in 2023. For a club that likes to plan ahead – fully understand that box-to-box midfielders have Bellingham’s quality, age and versatility is very rare – one can expect Man City to be at the forefront of development.

With the age of 19 has built a good understanding with Phil Foden with England, and seeing how easily his former Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland has settled into life at the Etihad, he will have no shortage of say on a move to the Etihad should City decide to intend to pursue their interest.

MANCHESTER UNITED

In a team that often lacks dynamism and flexible runners in midfield, Bellingham will provide manager Erik ten Hag with a range of options at Old Trafford. With United missing out on signing Barcelona Frenkie de Jong over the summer, Bellingham will offer some of the same properties and possibly more.

While De Jong is arguably the pair’s more strategic midfielder, Bellingham also enjoys receiving the ball from deep and is improving his passing range. However, the player’s ability to connect defense and attack with his pressured dribbles and tackles could make him the missing link at Old Trafford. He will also add a piercing threat that Manchester United’s midfield currently misses.

United have two players who can perform similar tasks – Fred and Donny van de Beek – but neither has had the expected impact, so Bellingham’s potential signing could become one of the club’s most important signings of the past decade.

REAL MADRID

Although there are already plenty of options in central midfield, La Liga and the European champions are still said to be interested in Bellingham. As proven by the fact that they spend a huge amount of money to attract world class talent like Eduardo Camavinga (31 million euros) and Aurelien Tchouameni (€80 million), the Spanish giants are there whenever the opportunity arises to secure top young players around. The temptation to add another at Bellingham may remain within their technical requirements and financial means, assuming they don’t make another game to land the PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.

With Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Federico ValverdeCamavinga and Tchouameni both fight for positions, it has been widely discussed how Real Madrid could put all of their stars in a well-functioning midfield ahead of the €70m Casemiro transfer Manchester United free up some space.

So it’s not hard to imagine Bellingham finding a natural foothold in the Bernabeu midfield over the next year or so. Modric (37) and Kroos (32)’s contracts expire after that, but the Englishman could theoretically replace both, making him a big draw. Two such high-profile departures would make Valverde (24) Carlo Ancelotti’s most experienced regular in central midfield, but the sheer quality and compatibility of the potential quartet The ability will still make the Madrid team re-establish domestic and European glory.

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Craig Burley debates how Graham Potter will handle senior Chelsea players.

CHELSEA

Chelsea there is certainly money to contend with for Bellingham’s signature, but their interest may depend on how Carney Chukwuemeka developed throughout this season. With a skill set not too far off Bellingham – among the similarities are first-class dribbling, excellent dribbling skills in crowded areas and the ability to make a big impact in transitions – Chukwuemeka is likely to spend big in excess midfield after his £15m move from Aston Villa this summer. While he is yet to make his senior club debut, he may not be far off.

However, while Chelsea have no shortage of numbers in central midfield, the team still lacks a quality player who can deliver breakthroughs and add creativity in the final third. Although Bellingham and new manager Graham Potter appear to be a match – his avid pressing will be particularly appreciated – Chelsea may find it difficult to convince the 19-year-old to join them as Consider other options on the table.

In DORTMUND?

Of course, there is always the option of staying in Dortmund. Bellingham knows the team well and fits the style of play, having scored 13 goals and 18 assists in his 100 games to date.

The midfielder’s contract expires until 2025, so the ball is plentiful in Dortmund’s field for the next year or so, but the Bundesliga side will be keen to extend it – possibly with a release clause. great. around 150 million euros or more.

Bellingham is still only 19, so he’ll have plenty of time to consider where his long-term future lies.