Manchester City are on the verge of conceding defeat in the race for Jude Bellingham as they believe the midfielder will join Real Madrid.
According to Football Insider, Manchester City believe Real Madrid will win the race for Jude Bellingham. They are not yet pulling out of the race to sign a 14-goal star from Borussia Dortmund. But a move to Spain looks increasingly likely for the midfielder.
Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are a team that looks to add only a few missing pieces in every window. They have followed that pattern in the last few years and could continue it heading into the summer. The manager needs a new midfielder and possibly others in different positions.
A midfielder is important, considering Manchester City might lose Ilkay Gundogan. Barcelona seem like the current favourite for the German, who will become a free agent after the season. The 32-year-old has been one of the most important players under Guardiola, and the club were deeply thinking about Jude Bellingham as his ideal replacement.
Bellingham has been on Manchester City’s radar since they were sure the 14-goal star would leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer. For a long time, Liverpool were considered the favourites. But owing to the price tag placed on the midfielder, the Merseysiders bowed out of the chase.
In truth, only a handful of sides can compete in the market for a player that costly. Dortmund were reportedly seeking €150 million for their 14-goal star, and Manchester City are possibly one of two or three teams that can pay so much for a single player.
Real Madrid are also among them. And as things stand, they are well ahead in the race for the England international. The Spanish giants have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Bellingham, per media reports but have yet to find any agreement with Dortmund.
Manchester City believe Bellingham will join Real Madrid in the summer and are ready to concede defeat. They are reportedly still in the race in case any complications arise in the deal from here on. They have already begun looking at alternatives, including former player Romeo Lavia among other stars.
Guardiola seemingly wanted Bellingham as he saw the potential to improve his current side. Considering Man City is competing and favouriting to win three titles before the season ends, very few players can improve the current setup. As a possible replacement for Gundogan, the 14-goal star would have been perfect for the Premier League champions.
