Watch: Fabrizio Romano updates us on ‘crazy’ race for Jude Bellingham
Borussia Dortmund’s young English midfielder Jude Bellingham is a wonderful, wonderful footballer, so it’s little wonder clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City and even possibly Chelsea will be interested in signing him in the summer of 2023.
Bellingham, who will likely be in England’s World Cup squad for Qatar 2022, will be the hottest property on next summer’s transfer market.
And even so far in advance, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has brought us an update on how the story is developing and what sort of fee Bellingham could command should he move on.
Firstly, Romano discussed the reasons Bellingham did not leave Dortmund this summer. Though Liverpool and Real Madrid both showed strong interest, Dortmund were just not prepared to do any business at this point.
Speaking in the latest video on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “For both Liverpool and Real Madrid it was impossible to sign Jude Bellingham this summer because, [at the] end of May, the directors at Borussia Dortmund were very clear with Liverpool and other clubs who approached for Bellingham.
“[They said:] ‘No way, there is going to be no negotiation for Jude Bellingham.’
“It’s not about the price, it’s not about the fee, it’s about the decision. Borussia Dortmund decided not to sell Jude Bellingham this summer. They were really clear in their position.
“They will try to dream about keeping Bellingham in summer of 2023, but they know it’s not going to be easy because next summer for Bellingham, there is going to be a crazy, crazy race.
“My sources told me, ‘Get ready,’ because we had the Haaland race, with Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Man City, many clubs involved, but this Bellingham race will be many top clubs ready to do something crazy for Jude Bellingham. Many different sources told me this; to get ready for a new Haaland race.”
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Being more specific about which top clubs he was referring to, Romano continued: “Liverpool signed Arthur Melo on loan, but they need a new top midfielder next summer and Bellingham can be the player, so Liverpool will try for sure.
“Real Madrid are looking for midfielders as always. They have [Eduardo] Camavinga and [Aurelien] Tchouameni, two fantastic players. But they are following Bellingham since long time, so let’s see…
“In England, all the top clubs, not just Liverpool, are tracking Bellingham. Man City, for sure, but also Man United have been following Bellingham for a long time, so many clubs will be in the race.
“The feeling at Borussia Dortmund is that the player is really, really happy there. He is not creating any problems, he is a top professional. The decision on his future will be made in 2023, not now. But for sure, they expect many top clubs to jump into it.
“For example, this summer Chelsea didn’t move on Bellingham because they had other kinds of targets. But who knows next summer if Chelsea will decide to jump into it or not? Now with [Graham] Potter, new manager, new direct relationship with Todd Boehly. Things can change.”
On how much any of those clubs will have to pay, Romano was clear: “The price will be way more than €100million, this is the feeling. And so, crazy one guys, because the race is going to be really, really interesting for Jude Bellingham.”
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