Krishnan Sreekumar
Manchester United receive a transfer blow as Jude Bellingham commits his future to Borussia Dortmund
Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten BVB (h/t The Sun), Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has committed his future to the club beyond the summer transfer window, in what is a major blow to Manchester United who were interested in the player.
Bellingham has been a revelation at Dortmund ever since his move to the German side from Birmingham City in 2020. He has turned into a key player for the Black and Yellows over the past couple of years, which has seen him attract interest from other sides.
The Englishman ended speculation about his future ahead of the summer, saying that he was looking forward to next season. He committed to his team for the new campaign, and said that he would be at Signal Iduna Park and ready for next year.
“The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund. I look forward to next season. I look forward to it finally starting. But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready.”
This will come as a blow to United, who are in the market to sign a talented midfielder to reinforce their squad. The current crop of options operating in the middle of the park has been underwhelming against stronger opposition, and an upgrade is needed.
“I am very grateful to Dortmund”
Bellingham’s performances for Dortmund and the England national team have proven that he could be a fantastic addition to the Red Devils. Despite being a teenager, he has shown maturity beyond his years and taken on the very best in the UEFA Champions League.
However, the 18-year-old looks set to stay in the Bundesliga, saying that he was grateful to Dortmund for nurturing his talent and developing him as a better player. He credited the staff for keeping the noise around him, allowing him to focus on his games.
“I am very grateful to Dortmund for the way they have nurtured my talent. I think a lot of the credit goes to the coaching staff and the staff who keep the noise around me.”
His comments will now force United to look at a new midfield transfer target at the end of the season, someone who could provide real energy as well as some stability in the middle of the pitch. Bellingham’s strengths to play to those requirements, but he may no longer be an option.
The arrival of Erik ten Hag from Ajax Amsterdam to take charge of the side means that a squad overhaul is expected, and a new-look team may be assembled ahead of the new campaign. United fans will be keen to see who the club can snap up in the summer to bolster the squad.
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With Paul Pogba’s contract running out at the end of the season and Nemanja Matic announcing his departure from the team in the summer, the midfield will be stretched thin. This leaves the squad with Fred and Scott McTominay as the only central midfielders.
Donny van de Beek and James Garner will return from their loan spells at Everton and Nottingham Forest respectively, but it remains to be seen what ten Hag decides about their future at the club. Regardless, a midfield signing is necessary, and only time will reveal who that may be.
