MANCHESTER CITY ARE HOPING to sign Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham in the summer, sources have told ESPN.
You might be thinking: what? Jude Bellingham is only 19. That’s true.
But Manchester City has reportedly been keeping tabs on the midfielder for a while and saw him as one of their top prospects in the summer of 2019, when he was offered a professional contract by Birmingham City.
The youngster is originally from Birmingham and has represented England at Under-17 level, so it’s no surprise that both clubs have been watching him closely ever since his emergence into first-team action at St Andrew’s last season.
Jude Bellingham To Manchester City?
City have identified Bellingham as a key target as they look to revamp their midfield options with David Silva leaving and doubts over whether Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan will sign new deals.
The 19-year-old is considered one of the most talented young players in the country and has been part of the England youth set-up since he was 13. He played for England’s Under-18 side last season, scoring five goals in seven games before being called up for the U19 squad at this summer’s European Championship. He made two appearances as England finished third in Georgia but did not score during his time on the pitch.
It is a move that represents something of a gamble for the player, who remains under contract with Birmingham until 2020 but has long been expected to leave this summer after talks over a new deal stalled.
Belligham has been tipped as one of the brightest young prospects in English football and was named captain earlier this season by manager Garry Monk. He also made his debut for England Under-19s last year.
“I’ve spoken to Jude on numerous occasions,” Monk told ESPN FC recently when asked about Bellingham’s future at St Andrew’s. “He’s very mature and he knows what he wants to achieve.”
