Erling Haaland has reportedly urged former Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham to join him at Manchester City.
The Norwegian goalscoring sensation penned a five-year deal with the Premier League champions after two-and-a-half stunning years in Germany. Two of those seasons saw Haaland link up with Bellingham, who joined the Bundesliga side in the summer of 2020 from Birmingham City.
Bellingham was one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe following a breakout year at the Blues. The 19-year-old was courted by numerous high-profile clubs, but Dortmund won the race – with a similar transfer saga chase likely to play out next year. Mirror Football understands that Real Madrid are increasingly confident in structuring a deal to land Bellingham in 2023.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bellingham on a number of occasions in the past, while Chelsea and Manchester United also hold an interest in the England international. It has been claimed that the midfielder could be available in an £83million agreement next summer – sparking interest from multiple leading clubs.
Real Madrid may be leading the race but Bellingham's future is far from clear, with Dortmund still retaining hope of extending the player's deal. He's already under contract at the German club until 2025 and there is no pressing urgency for Dortmund to sell, although they will be respectful to the wishes of the England ace.
As reported by CBS Sports, Liverpool and City have put in more legwork for a deal to sign the teenager than either United or Chelsea – whose interest is at a more primitive stage. Indeed, Haaland is already said to have told the midfielder to link up with him in English football at the Etihad.
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The two combined at Dortmund for two seasons and the prospect of them once again joining forces at City is a mouth-watering prospect. They have remained close friends off the pitch and have remained in touch since the Norwegian striker’s summer transfer switch.
Indeed, the two players shared a close embrace after the Champions League group stage match between the sides in Manchester earlier this month. Bellingham was heard to say 'F*** sake mate,' in friendly exasperation after the striker won the game late on for City.
Bellingham starred once again in that clash for Dortmund and has only served to increase speculation regarding his future. The race to secure his signature has already begun.
