Manchester City have a midfield most clubs would envy with Rodri and Kalvin Phillips for turning over possession while Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Phil Foden provide the creativity, but Pep Guardiola is always thinking of the future.
With City having two central midfielders over the age of 30, James Pearce and Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic say the Sky Blues ‘retain a strong interest’ in Jude Bellingham, though it remains to be seen when they’ll make an official move for the 19-year-old.
Where will Manchester City finish in the Premier League this season?
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th or lower
City have done three pieces of business with Dortmund, signing Gundogan in 2016, Erling Haaland this summer and Manuel Akanji on deadline day, so it appears the two clubs have a positive relationship. That should help when negotiating a transfer fee, but Bellingham would also need to seek a move away.
The England international has made 100 appearances for Dortmund (2020 – present), scoring 13 goals with 18 assists. He’s regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe, possession all the qualities Pep Guardiola looks for in a player – turnover (2.9 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per Bundesliga game this season), passing (48.3 passes per game with 82.8% completion), creativity (0.9 chances made per game) and energy (3 successful dribbles per game).
It’s easy to see why City would be keen, but the Premier League champions aren’t the only side in the running.
In other news, Graeme Souness criticises Jack Grealish on talkSPORT
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