Manchester United would love to sign Jude Bellingham but are aware that Liverpool currently lead them in the race.
Bellingham looks likely to be one of the biggest transfers in history this summer, and Liverpool are right in the thick of the action. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano though, United are not.
Speaking on his YouTube channel yesterday, Romano claimed that the Old Trafford side are currently not seen as a front-runner for Bellingham.
“As of now the reality is that Manchester United are not actively working on the Jude Bellingham deal,” said the journalist. “They love the player, they would be excited for the player to join them. But the reality is that with the ownership situation, there is still no full agreement to sell the club. This is a crucial part to understand the budget of Man United for the summer. This is a really important point.
“They love Jude Bellingham but they also know that at the moment, Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid are the three frontrunners to sign him. These three clubs have been working for a long time in different ways – some more close to the club, some more close to the player. All the parties are working on this deal. This isn’t something Man United are actively doing now because they know it could depend on the owners situation.”
United lagging behind in Bellingham race
You get the impression that even if United’s ownership changes hands before the summer, they won’t be in for Bellingham.
The ‘world-class’ 19-year-old is seemingly treating his search for a new club as thoroughly as possible. It feels unlikely that he would suddenly decide to join a side who haven’t long been in the running.
Having said that, United have been in the hunt for Bellingham before. They reportedly tried to sign him before he broke into the Birmingham City first team and shortly afterwards, when he left for Borussia Dortmund.
So, Jude and his dad will be well aware of what a move to Old Trafford could look like. But given that there would be new owners at the helm, perhaps they’d have to start again at zero with a pitch.
Liverpool don’t have that problem. After John Henry’s public declaration that the Reds are not for sale, there’s a little more stability at Anfield again.
A slight uptick in form, despite the horror of last week’s Champions League game, should also show Bellingham that Liverpool aren’t dead yet this season. Hopefully those shoots of life can drag them through to picking up their top target this summer. United don’t stand a chance.