According to a recent report by Sport Bild, Borussia Dortmund are currently leading the chase ahead of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to secure the services of Birmingham City midfielder Jude Bellingham. It is understood that the German outfit have already agreed terms with the English starlet with a transfer fee of more than £30m being discussed between the two clubs (via Sport Bild).
This latest development will come as a huge blow for Man United’s chances of landing the talented teenager this summer. The 16-year-old has enjoyed an incredible breakout season at the St Andrew’s after putting in several eye-catching performances in the EFL Championship thus far. He has also earned a lot of first-team minutes during this campaign which has helped him develop as a footballer.
Bellingham’s Remarkable Rise In English Football
Despite his young age, Bellingham has defied all expectations by becoming a permanent presence at the heart of Pep Clotet’s midfield. He has been involved in 31 matches for the West Midlands club this term, scoring four goals while providing three assists across all fronts. The fact that he has also started contributing on the offensive end of the field has raised his stock significantly in Europe. Hence, it is no wonder that a top club like Dortmund are closing in on him as they might fancy nurturing the English playmaker into a world-class talent someday.
The Birmingham City whizkid can do a bit of everything in midfield as evidenced by his average of 2.3 tackles, 0.7 interceptions, 1.0 clearances, 1.2 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the English second division (stats via whoscored). Bellingham has also represented England at various youth levels and is currently an integral asset of the Three Lions’ Under-17 team, having scored two goals in three appearances for them thus far.
What Does The Birmingham Teen Sensation Offer On The Field?
Bellingham is primarily a central midfielder but can also fill in on the flanks if required. He loves to go in for a few tackles to try and win possession back for his side. The Stourbridge-born prospect can read the game well and is not afraid to have a pop at goal whenever an opportunity presents itself. He has successfully managed to set-up a few goals this season as well which indicates that he is making progress in improving the creative side of his game.
What Should Be Ole’s Play Here?
Man United have the financial power to outbid Dortmund in the transfer market. If Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is confident that Bellingham is the right fit for the Red Devils, then he should consider going all out in pursuit of his signature. A talented midfielder like Bellingham will undeniably bolster the Norwegian head coach’s midfield options significantly ahead of the new season. However, the youngster might need some time before he can adjust to the pace and high intensity of Premier League football.
Recruiting someone of the Birmingham midfield ace’s potential could turn out to be a shrewd move in the long-run. He will not only add some youthful exuberance to Solskjaer’s squad but also possesses the skillset to give the likes of Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic a run for their money as far as the first-team spots are concerned at Old Trafford.
