Jude Bellingham is set to be the man of the summer. It seems a case of where, not if, he goes from Borussia Dortmund.
His displays for England during the international break and across the World Cup only increased his price tag and so only a select few may be able to lure him in. Liverpool is the club he’s been linked with the most although recent reports suggest a move to Merseyside is more uncertain than first rumoured.
Real Madrid are also said to be preparing a pursuit while many others, such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich, are cracking their locked fingers ready for ambitious ploys. With Ilkay Gundogan and possibly even Bernardo Silva expected to fly the nest this summer, Manchester City will be looking for a new midfielder and Bellingham will be top of the list.
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The 19-year-old is showing maturity beyond his years and has evidenced that he can play with anybody in any team, anywhere. But City may opt to lean on formerly existing connections to try and persuade him to put pen to paper at the Etihad. The major advantage they possess over their rivals is the presence of Erling Haaland.
The 42-goal sensation played alongside Bellingham during his two years in Germany and the midfielder assisted the striker seven times - their on-field connection has already been established.
Pep Guardiola’s signings traditionally take a season to settle into life at the Etihad but this may not be the case with Bellingham, especially given the amount of international teammates he would have around him at the Blues.
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, John Stones, Jack Grealish and, save injury, Kalvin Phillips are all regulars for England, as is Bellingham. They all already have ready-made relationships with the Birmingham-born teenager, which could play a part in Bellingham’s judgement of where to go next.
Of course, other teams can boast the same argument. Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United also have a strong presence in Gareth Southgate’s selections although none can boast having the same amount of stars regularly included as City.
Bellingham’s notable maturity at such a young age means these considerations alone will not be the decisive factor but City are more than capable of taking care of the other matters such as trophy hunting, wages and longevity.
There have been arguments that the Premier League charges against City could affect their ability to pull in their transfer targets this summer, but from a player’s point of view, such aspects will likely not be a concern until the matter comes to a head. The opportunity to lift silverware is what appeals most.
Bellingham knows that he will be judged straight away upon entry to the Premier League, should he opt to return to England. Of course, he has EFL experience with Birmingham City but - like the Bundesliga - the Premier League is a totally different kettle of fish.
That said, as with Haaland, few people would bet against him being a quick success should he make the move. But the spotlight will be on him and having a few familiar faces and pre-existing on-field connections may help ease that pressure, making City a more attractive prospect.
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