Bellingham still in demand regardless of superb form, says Dortmund director Kehl

Jude Bellingham’s superb performances for Borussia Dortmund this season have not changed how in-demand he will be in the transfer market, according to the club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

Bellingham – who has been linked with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool, among others – bagged a brace during Saturday’s 5-0 demolition job against Stuttgart in the Bundesliga to further an already scintillating season for the 19-year-old.

He has already ascended to a new level of responsibility this term, taking the captain’s armband both domestically and in the Champions League for the Black and Yellow this season.

Bellingham’s form is likely to further stoke the fires of a transfer battle for his future among several major suitors, but speaking after his showing against Stuttgart, Kehl suggested the England international’s stock was already at an all-time high.

“Jude was just as sought after before this game as he will be after this game,” he stated. “None of this changes the interest that will possibly arise in him one day.”

Kehl further suggested the best place for Bellingham to continue is with Edin Terzic’s side, though, rather than make a move elsewhere to follow in the footsteps of former team-mates Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.

“He can develop further with us,” he added. “He can take the next steps here with us – just as he has already done this season.”

Bellingham is expected to figure in England’s squad for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and looks in line to potentially start their opener against Iran on November 21.

2 – Jude #Bellingham (19 years, 115 days) is the third youngest player to score a Bundesliga brace for Borussia Dortmund, after Jadon Sancho (18y 216d, in October 2018) and Daniel Simmes (18y 230d, in March 1985). Ju-wel. #BVBVFB pic.twitter.com/WgxO7gziWa

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) October 22, 2022