Where is Jude Bellingham’s Most Likely Destination?

Jude Bellingham may not receive the same plaudits as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Kylian Mbappe, but there is no denying the Englishman is a generational talent. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is only 19, yet he shows maturity far beyond his years. It is no surprise that, with two years left on his current deal, Europe’s top clubs are vying for Bellingham’s signature. Of the teams linked with Bellingham, which is the most likely to sign the youngster, or could he stay with die Schwarzgelben?

Bellingham started his career with Birmingham City, a team now playing in the second tier of English football. Talented beyond his years, Bellingham played for Birmingham’s under-18 team aged only 14 and made his first-team debut two years later, becoming Birmingham’s youngest-ever first-team player at 16 years and 38 days. After 44 appearances across all competition, Borussia Dortmund paid £25 million plus add-ons to secure Bellingham’s services.

He made his Dortmund debut aged 17 years and 77 days and became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the back of the net in a DFB-Pokal game against third-tier MSV Duisburg. Bellingham later became the Bundesliga’s youngest-ever captain in October 2022. His performances in a Dortmund shirt and for the England national team have significantly increased Bellingham’s stock. Now with Bellingham’s contract due to expire on June 30, 2025, Premier League giants Liverpool are the favorites with the best sports betting sites to add the superstar midfielder to their squad.

 

Liverpool

Newspaper rumors suggest Liverpool is Bellingham’s favored destination should he call time on his Dortmund career. Jurgen Klopp, the former Dortmund manager, is a massive fan of Bellingham and knows all too well that his Reds midfield requires an overhaul in the summer. Bellingham has made it known he dreams of playing in the Premier League, but a move to Merseyside could hinge on Liverpool qualifying for the prestigious UEFA Champions League. Liverpool is five points outside the European places and seven from clinching a Champions League berth.

 

Manchester City

Liverpool’s fellow Premier League outfit is one of only a handful of clubs that could afford the projected €150 million fee plus blockbuster wages required to tempt Bellingham away from Signal Iduna Park. Having the opportunity to work with Pep Guardiola will be a huge draw, as will the fact City is all but guaranteed to play Champions League football next season.

The City squad is packed with talent, but midfield duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva continue to be linked with moves away from the Etihad Stadium. A lack of guaranteed first-team football could prove a significant stumbling block for this move.

 

Real Madrid

Spanish giants Real Madrid does not spend anywhere near as much money on transfers as it once did, but the club is prepared to break the bank for Bellingham’s signature. The lure of Real Madrid is always ultra-strong, yet the Spanish La Liga is nowhere near as competitive as other top-flight club competition, plus Real has one eye on the long-shot signing of PSG talisman Kylian Mbappe. Although third-favorites to sign Bellingham, the Englishman will unlikely jet off to Spain.

 

Manchester United

Thirteen-time Premier League champions Manchester United is an outside shot of prying Bellingham away from Dortmund, but it is unlikely. Although Dutchman Erik ten Hag has worked wonders at Old Trafford, Manchester United is not the force they once were, despite occupying third place in the Premier League standings.

In addition, United just revealed they have almost £1 billion in outstanding debts and transfer fees. Furthermore, the club’s owners are in the process of selling the club to potential suitors.

 

Staying at Dortmund

Dortmund is desperate to hold onto Bellingham for at least one more season, so they have offered him a new and improved deal. Media reports suggest Dortmund has offered Bellingham a 150% increase in his salary, making him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. That new contract reportedly contains a €150 million release clause.

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