Manchester United target Jude Bellingham wants ‘instant Champions League football’ if he leaves Borussia Dortmund, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
Jacobs, therefore, believes that other clubs from across the continent may be ‘further ahead’ of the Red Devils when it comes to putting in the legwork for the 19-year-old’s signature.
What is the latest news involving Bellingham?
The Athletic have claimed that United are firmly in the race to prise Bellingham away from Dortmund next summer, although they’re set to face stiff competition for the midfielder.
Local rivals Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all said to ‘retain a strong interest’ in the England international, while BVB have not given up hope of keeping him at the Signal Iduna Park.
Bellingham’s £49,000-per-week contract is not due to expire until June 2025, while his current employers reportedly value him at around €150 million (£131.6m).
What has Jacobs said about Bellingham?
Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “The first thing is that Bellingham wants instant Champions League football and will be thinking about his decision most likely with a view to the summer of 2023.
“Over the course of January onwards, that’s when the suitors will intensify. So, Manchester United, for any relationships or desire to sign him, are going to have to, from January onwards, or certainly when Bellingham decides come the end of the season, have Champions League football or be on course for it.
“And the challenge when you try and sign a player like Bellingham with a lot of competition and a high price is you can’t necessarily wait until he becomes available on the market, you have to do all of the legwork in advance.
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“And there’ll be other clubs further ahead of Manchester United, therefore, that have put in that legwork. And Manchester United, because of the change in manager, because of not having a Champions League football, can’t really do that much at this point.”
Where would Bellingham fit in at Man Utd?
United manager Erik ten Hag spent the whole of the previous transfer window chasing Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong but was ultimately unsuccessful in his pursuit.
Instead, the Dutch tactician brought in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro to add some creativity and solidity to the Old Trafford outfit’s engine room.
Yet their arrivals have not eradicated United’s need for a number eight who can link the defence and attack, add goals and assists and provide a technical flair that has been missing for many years.
Bellingham arguably has the ability to do all of those things for Ten Hag’s charges and could bring an ideal balance to their midfield options.
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