According to BBC Sport, Borussia Dortmund are closing in on the capture of Jude Bellingham. The Birmingham midfielder is expected to sign a five-year contract with the Black and Yellows, who are ready to fork out £20 million for his services. Bellingham is regarded as one of the most promising young footballers in England. But, how exactly will he fit into the Dortmund side next season?
Do Borussia Dortmund need a midfielder?
Borussia Dortmund undoubtedly boast one of the most exciting teams in Europe at the moment. Especially in midfield, the Bundesliga giants have a host of talented individuals, who are more than capable of making an impact at the highest level of football.
However, Dortmund might need reinforcements in the middle of the park, especially following the departure of Mario Gotze. The German international is currently a free agent after seeing out his contract in Ruhrpott. Although he was considered as a centre-forward, Gotze’s departure creates a massive hole in the club’s creative unit.
In addition to him, Dortmund have also struggled with the injury problems for Mahmoud Dahoud. Lucien Favre hasn’t really favoured the ex-Gladbach midfielder while Thomas Delaney missed a chunk of last season due to injury. The addition of Bellingham, therefore, does make sense, especially if the club offload Dahoud this summer.
Examining Belllginham’s chances at Dortmund next season
The Borussia Dortmund midfield is usually dominated by Axel Witsel and Emre Can. However, there is a possibility that Can could be considered as an option at centre-back next season, especially with Lukasz Piszczek nearing the final phase of his career while Mats Hummels, too, isn’t getting any younger.
Can’s potential role at centre-back should allow Julian Brandt to become the first-choice midfielder alongside Witsel. But, his attacking qualities could be useful much further forward, leaving Delaney with the next desired option. The Dane has performed well and is undoubtedly a guaranteed starter when fit.
Moreover, Dortmund also have a young, promising midfielder in Tobias Raschl, all of which could potentially disrupt Bellingham’s development in the Bundesliga next season. But at the same time, what makes the Englishman such an appealing target for Borussia Dortmund is his versatility.
Although an attacking midfielder by trade, Bellingham can feature in almost anywhere in the midfield roles, including the number six slot. That means the youngster could be an option if Dortmund do ever need to find an alternative to Witsel. Additionally, the fact that the English whizkid can also operate in the wider midfield roles should open up a host of tactical possibilities for Favre.
It is, however, fair to point out that Bellingham will have to work hard to establish himself as a regular member of the first-team. But on the positive note, he shouldn’t find it difficult to get the opportunity to impress, given his potential and the money Dortmund are willing to pay for him, despite the ongoing financial crisis inflicted by the Coronavirus.
