Man City have advantage over rivals in race for Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is set to be the man of the summer. It seems a case of where, not if, he goes from Borussia Dortmund.
His displays for England during the international break and across the World Cup only increased his price tag and so only a select few may be able to lure him in. Liverpool is the club he’s been linked with the most although recent reports suggest a move to Merseyside is more uncertain than first rumoured.
Real Madrid are also said to be preparing a pursuit while many others, such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich, are cracking their locked fingers ready for ambitious ploys. With Ilkay Gundogan and possibly even Bernardo Silva expected to fly the nest this summer, Manchester City will be looking for a new midfielder and Bellingham will be top of the list.
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The 19-year-old is showing maturity beyond his years and has evidenced that he can play with anybody in any team, anywhere. But City may opt to lean on formerly existing connections to try and persuade him to put pen to paper at the Etihad. The major advantage they possess over their rivals is the presence of Erling Haaland.
The 42-goal sensation played alongside Bellingham during his two years in Germany and the midfielder assisted the striker seven times - their on-field connection has already been established.
Pep Guardiola’s signings traditionally take a season to settle into life at the Etihad but this may not be the case with Bellingham, especially given the amount of international teammates he would have around him at the Blues.
Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, John Stones, Jack Grealish and, save injury, Kalvin Phillips are all regulars for England, as is Bellingham. They all already