Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly considering 21-year-old Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham as the long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Jude Bellingham is the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Premier League champions are scouring the market for an attacking midfielder heading into the summer transfer window. So, the Real Madrid mainstay has emerged as a target, although the Merengues do not want to part ways with the 21-year-old prospect.
The rise and rise of Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has established himself as one of the best players in the world since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in a big-money deal in July 2023. The Englishman was already among the most promising young prodigies in the world during his spells with Dortmund and Birmingham City but has gone some way to fulfil his immense potential at Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old has been a mainstay in the middle of the park for Real Madrid since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu 18 months ago. Bellingham was instrumental as Los Blancos won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles in his debut season with the club. The youngster has continued at an elite level this term.
The English international has amassed ten goals and ten assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, Bellingham’s excellent performances have not gone unnoticed, with several European bigwigs keen on securing his services. Manchester City will be one of the prospective suitors for his signature in the summer transfer window, although Real Madrid might not entertain any bids.
England return on the cards?
Manchester City wanted to sign Jude Bellingham before he joined Real Madrid. The deal failed to materialise as the youngster’s heart was set on moving to Spain. However, the continued interest in the Real Madrid midfield mainstay is understandable, considering Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva face an uncertain future at the Etihad.
Recent reports have claimed that De Bruyne will likely leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window. So, Bellingham has emerged as a viable target for the Premier League champions. However, convincing Real Madrid to part ways with the 21-year-old Englishman will be a tall order.
The reigning La Liga champions do not want to part ways with the English international, which makes sense, considering his stature at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, Manchester City must look elsewhere for a long-term replacement for De Bruyne.
