Jobe Bellingham: United suffer setback in pursuit of Borussia Dortmund ace

Manchester United are expected to sort out their midfield conundrum in 2026 after failing to reinforce the area this summer. With Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro on the wrong side of 30, it is pivotal that the Premier League giants lay down succession plans for the future.

The Brazilian is out of contract at the end of this season, while Manuel Ugarte has failed to impress as well. Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo remains heavily linked with an exit from the Theatre of Dreams after struggling for chances this season.

The Red Devils did consider the likes of Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton this summer, but ended the transfer window without adding a new face to their midfield.

They have since been linked with multiple names for the job, including Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham .

Bellingham caught the eye with Sunderland last season, scoring five goals and setting up four more from 47 games in all competitions. His efforts were key to helping the Black Cats secure promotion to the Premier League.

United were reportedly among the clubs eyeing the 20 year old this summer, but Dortmund won the race for his signature. The youngster was expected to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Jude, and continue his development with the Bundesliga club, but it has been a tough ride so far.

Bellingham has struggled for chances under manager Nico Kovac, appearing just nine times in all competitions, only three of which have been starts. He has clocked just 301 minutes of first-team action and is far from pleased with his situation.

There have also been reports of a heated exchange between Kovac and Bellingham’s father over the player’s situation, further adding to speculation regarding his future.

Recent reports have suggested that the Englishman could leave on loan in January, with United ready to take advantage of the turmoil at Signal Iduna Park. However, it now appears that prising him away won’t be easy.

According to Fichajes , Dortmund have no desire to sanction Bellingham’s premature departure in January. The German giants consider the player a part of their long-term future, given that he is under contract until 2030.

The plan was always to slowly integrate the youngster into the rigours of the Bundesliga, and Dortmund are adamant that they are the right club to help the player realise his potential.

Despite the recent links to United, the Germans are yet to receive a concrete offer for their star man. Dortmund are now determined to keep hold of Bellingham until the end of the season.

While United are likely to face disappointment in their pursuit of the young star in the middle of the season, they could test the waters next summer. The Premier League giants, though, will have to present a colossal offer to convince the German side to let their prized asset leave.

In any event, it is unclear whether Bellingham will be afforded game time at the Theatre of Dreams given Kobbie Mainoo’s recent struggles. The 2024 FA Cup winner is yet to start a game in the Premier League, and has the daunting task of dislodging Bruno Fernandes from the starting XI to secure regular football.

Feature image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images

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