While Borussia Dortmund may have ended up seeing their Champions League adventure come to an end at Stamford Bridge on March 7, Jude Bellingham’s shares remain at a red-hot high.
With the German giants still in contention for their first Bundesliga crown since 2012, Bellingham has quickly become one of the most sought-after midfield stars in Europe.
While Dortmund may have managed to keep the England international during the January transfer window, it seems almost certain that Bellingham will be on the move this summer.
Having played a pivotal role in taking the Three Lions to the World Cup quarter-finals last summer, the former Birmingham starlet has a number of European heavyweights who are desperate to snatch his signature.
He won’t be 20 until June and is already regarded as one of the brightest midfield stars in world football. We’ve looked at three clubs reportedly leading the race for Bellingham when the window reopens.
Liverpool
Although many around Anfield were thrilled during the January transfer window when Cody Gakpo arrived at Merseyside for £45m from PSV, Liverpool were desperate to hire a real central midfielder.
With the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner now in their 30s, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield problems have played a major role in Liverpool’s instability this season.
Similarly, with former Barcelona player Arthur Melo living through a Premier League nightmare after receiving a shocking loan move from Juventus last year, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Baby Keita are expected to leave this summer on a free transfer.
However, while it’s no secret that Klopp is planning a real midfield makeover at Anfield, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss has certainly put Bellingham at the top of his summer wish list.
While there is still a possibility that Liverpool may not be in the top four this season, many in Klopp’s camp have suggested that they remain confident they can win the Bellingham race in 2023.
With 18-year-old Stefan Baisetic only continuing to shine after breaking into Klopp’s first-team plans earlier in the year, many at Anfield will be thrilled to see Bellingham join this summer.
Liverpool to sign Jude Bellingham this summer – Best odds: 2/1 with Unibet
real Madrid
While Liverpool may be leading the race for Bellingham this year, Real Madrid are another longtime England fan with 22 caps.
While Los Blancos may be looking for a little domestic miracle if they want to retain their La Liga crown this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s side certainly set up an important Champions League marker earlier in the week.
After finally scrapping their ticket to the quarter-finals after an outstanding 6-2 aggregate win against Liverpool, the Spanish heavyweights are desperate to defend their European crown this season.
With former midfield star Casemiro moving to Premier League heavyweight Manchester United last year, Real Madrid are still looking for someone to come in and replace the Brazilian ace at the Bernabéu.
With growing speculation that Tony Cross could hang up his boots at the end of the season, it has been speculated that Ancelotti has identified Bellingham as his number one target ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Having welcomed both Aurélien Chuameni and Eduardo Camavinga to the Spaniards over the past 18 months, Bellingham is seen as the latest piece in the Madrid midfield puzzle.
Real Madrid to sign Jude Bellingham @ 7/2 from 888sport this summer
Manchester
With their ticket booked for the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday night, many are expecting Josep Guardiola’s side to fork out this summer.
However, with Arsenal facing an all-powerful title challenge next month if they are to defend their Premier League crown in 2023, the former Barcelona boss could face a potential squad overhaul this summer.
After making a major announcement last year when they welcomed standout superstar Erling Haaland to Etihad, it has been reported in recent weeks that Guardiola is planning another raid to Dortmund when the window reopens.
With Ilkay Gundogan yet to sign a new deal with Manchester and expected to leave this summer on a free transfer, there are also growing rumors that both Bernardo Silva and Rodri are attracting a lot of interest.
With Guardiola publicly voicing his admiration for Bellingham after City faced Dortmund during last year’s Champions League group stage, the 19-year-old would no doubt have been tempted by a stunning move to the Etihad.
Desperate to finally claim the first European crown this season, Manchester Evening News It was reported last week that City were pressing hard behind the scenes to pull off what could be a blockbuster.
Manchester City sign Jude Bellingham @ 4/1 from Betfair this summer