The Jude Bellingham Race: Who is leading the chase to snap up Borussia Dortmund’s superstar this summer?

While Borussia Dortmund might have eventually seen their Champions League adventure come to an end at Stamford Bridge on March 7th, Jude Bellingham’s stock remains at a red-hot high.

With the German giants still firmly in the race to claim a first Bundesliga crown since 2012, Bellingham has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after midfield stars.

Although Dortmund might have managed to keep hold of the England international during the January transfer window, it appears almost certain that Bellingham will be on the move this summer.

Playing a crucial role as the Three Lions reached the World Cup quarter-finals last summer, the former Birmingham starlet has a string of European heavyweights that are desperate to snatch his signature.

Not turning 20 until June and already seen to be one of the most exciting midfield stars in world football, we have taken a look at the three clubs who are reportedly leading the chase to snap up Bellingham when the window reopens.

Liverpool

Although many around Anfield were excited during the January transfer window as Cody Gakpo arrived on Merseyside in a £45million move from PSV, Liverpool were desperate to recruit a genuine central midfield option.

With the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all now on the wrong side of 30, Jurgen Klopp’s midfield issues have played an important factor in Liverpool’s inconsistencies this season.

Likewise, with one-time Barcelona starlet Arthur Melo enduring a Premier League nightmare since securing a shock loan switch from Juventus last year, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Baby Keita are expected to leave on a free this summer.

However, with it no secret that Klopp is planning a real midfield overhaul at Anfield, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss certainly has Bellingham at the top of his summer wishlist.

Although there still remains the possibility that Liverpool could miss out on a top-four finish this season, many in Klopp’s camp have suggested that they still remain confident that they can win the Bellingham race in 2023.

With 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic only continuing to shine since breaking into Klopp’s first-team plans earlier in the year, many around Anfield would be hugely excited by Bellingham’s arrival this summer.

Liverpool to sign Jude Bellingham this summer – Best Odds: 2/1 with Unibet

Real Madrid

Although it might be Liverpool who appear to be leading the Bellingham chase this year, Real Madrid are another long-term admirer of the 22-cap England international.

While Los Blancos might be seeking a minor domestic miracle if they are to retain their La Liga crown this season, Carlo Ancelotti’s men certainly laid down a major Champions League marker earlier in the week.

Eventually punching their quarter-final ticket after claiming a remarkable 6-2 aggregate romp against Liverpool, the Spanish heavyweights are desperate to defend their European crown this season.

Watching now-former midfield star Casemiro make the move to Premier League heavyweights Manchester United last year, Madrid are still seeking someone to come in and replace the Brazilian ace at the Bernabeu.

With growing speculation that Tony Kross could be looking to hang up his boots at the end of the season, it has been suggested that Ancelotti has identified Bellingham as his number-one target ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Welcoming both Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga to the Spanish over the past 18 months, Bellingham is seen to be the final piece of Madrid’s midfield puzzle.

Real Madrid to sign Jude Bellingham this summer @ 7/2 with 888sport

Manchester City

Booking their Champions League quarter-final ticket in some style on Tuesday night, many are expecting Pep Guardiola’s side to splash their cash this summer.

However, facing what is an almighty title scrap with Arsenal over the coming month if they are to defend their Premier League crown in 2023, the former Barcelona boss could face a potential squad overhaul this summer.

Making a major statement last year as they welcomed striking superstar Erling Haaland to the Etihad, it has been reported over recent weeks that Guardiola is planning another Dortmund raid when the window reopens.

With Ilkay Gundogan yet to sign a new deal in Manchester and expected to leave on a free transfer this summer, there has also been growing speculation that both Bernardo Silva and Rodri are attracting plenty of interest.

With Guardiola publicly stating his admiration for Bellingham after City met Dortmund during the Champions League group stages last year, the 19-year-old would undoubtedly be tempted by a blockbuster move to the Etihad.

Desperate to finally claim a maiden European crown this season, The Manchester Evening News reported last week that City are pushing hard behind the scenes in order to pull off what would be a blockbuster move.

Manchester City to sign Jude Bellingham this summer @ 4/1 with Betfair