Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after players in world football. As a central midfielder, he is capable of operating anywhere in midfield. As a result, Bellingham is attracting interest from European football’s elite clubs. With just two years left on his current contract, Borussia Dortmund is consigned to the thought of losing him come the summer of 2023. Should he leave, here are the top five destinations for the talented young Englishman- 

Liverpool

We kick things off at Anfield. For a long time, the talk surrounding a possible Jude Bellingham departure from Dortmund has mostly around heading to Liverpool. Liverpool has strengthened considerably in defense and attack in the last few years. Players such as Virgil Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mohammed Salah, and Darwin Nunez are a testament to the depth of the present and future talent available at the club. But the midfield is one key area in Jurgen Klopp’s team that needs bolstering.

Thiago Alcantara has seen his time at Merseyside intertwined with injuries. The same applies to Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who is hardly available for selection. The new loan signing, Arthur Melo, is currently out injured. James Milner, at 36, does not quite possess the “legs” he used to. Harvey Elliott is still finding his feet at the club. So, the possible acquisition of Bellingham seems like the ideal fit to solve the midfield crisis at Liverpool. The ability of the Reds to pay the price slammed on Bellingham shall play a role. 

Real Madrid

If you are a promising young talent on the cusp of stardom in world football, it is almost inevitable that Florentino Perez gives you a call or throws his hat in the ring to bid for your services. Real Madrid is attempting to hijack football with an already elite squad comprising world-class and soon-to-be world-class players. 

The Madrid hierarchy is looking to add to a midfield that already contains the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. When you think of the “threepeat” Champions League wins sandwiched with the league and cup triumphs between 2016-2018, the midfield trio of Modric, Kroos, and now departed Carlos Casimiro, the “Bermuda triangle” as referred to by Carlo Ancelotti, were instrumental to this success.

Real Madrid is going about the business of rebuilding with a serenity that ironically does invoke fear. Having already acquired Aurelin Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, two of world football’s most talented young midfielders, signing Jude Bellingham could be the start of another era of Madrid dominance.

Manchester City

It is no secret that Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Jude Bellingham. Following a masterclass in Quarter Final against City in the 2021 UEFA Champions League, Pep had questions about Bellingham’s age. 

He said- “he must be lying.”

The comments are about the seventeen-year-old due to how mature his performance on the day was. Only recently, Pep has openly lauded the Englishman even further, describing him as the “whole package.”

The City does have a plethora of options in midfield. But Just like the signing of Manuel Akanji to an already stacked defense this season proves, it’s never enough for Pep. As a result, Bellingham could join. 

Manchester United

The saga this past transfer window involved United desperately trying to sign a central midfielder. Approaches for Frenkie De Jong and Adrien Rabiot were both turned down by FC Barcelona and Juventus. Regardless, it seems like United will be looking to go all out again, and Jude Bellingham is at the top of the list of central midfielders on the Old Trafford radar.

Historically, when United want a player, they have gone all out without compromising on funds. The signings of Antony and Lisandro Martinez for a combined reported fee of €152.37million from Ajax this past summer are examples. Should Bellingham fancy United over other competitors, plenty of factors would come into play. But from a financial standpoint, United is more than capable of making this deal happen.

Borussia Dortmund

He might stay. Although this seems highly unlikely due to the interest surrounding his future, life is smooth for Bellingham at Dortmund. He has been in the form of his life. As a testament, he has Four Champions League goals in five games and has delivered magnificent displays in the Bundesliga. He has developed not just as a player but as a leader as well. He is now one of the yellow wall’s club captains and is getting better by the minute. Should he choose to waive off the interest from other clubs and remain at Dortmund, this would not be a poor decision as he can only get better.

He is still only 19, but it is evident that he has a bright future. Regardless of where he ends up next, he shall continue progressing at the highest level.