Journalist Adam Crafton believes that there is no chance Manchester United sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham despite showing previous interest in the midfielder.
The teenager was sensational for England at the World Cup and is courting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Liverpool are believed to be the frontrunners for his signature at present.
The 19-year-old moved to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 and has since flourished, and with a rumoured price tag of around €150m (£128m), it would be a huge coup for whoever secures his signature.
Crafton, speaking on The Athletic’s YouTube channel, claimed that United were interested in the midfielder for a long time, but do not stand a chance of landing him now because of the other clubs pursuing him.
He said: “I don’t expect Jude Bellingham to go to Manchester United. I don’t know if that’s got anything to do with Jadon Sancho,” Crafton claimed.
“I just think Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City are further ahead in that pursuit. But United tried before – they tried quite a few times over the years, particularly before he went to Borussia Dortmund, they had his family down to the training ground, but ultimately weren’t able to persuade him, and it was the right decision for his career.”
TIF Thoughts on Bellingham and United…
United did manage to secure a coup at the time when Jadon Sancho joined from Dortmund for £73m in 2021, but his signing has been a disaster so far, with just eight goals in 52 games.
His loss of confidence at United may flag a warning to Bellingham about his own career choices, and with clubs such as Real Madrid interested, it is tough to see him opting to choose Erik ten Hag’s side over other projects.
Whilst Liverpool are the reported favourites to secure him as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his midfield, Real Madrid also looks an attractive destination, and we think both these clubs have a much higher chance of convincing Bellingham on a sporting level than United right now.