Jude Bellingham has been one of the biggest revelations in European soccer in recent seasons. The 20-year-old joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in a big-money transfer from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023. To the surprise of almost everyone, Bellingham has grabbed the headlines throughout the campaign so far in Spain with his splendid performances.
Ever since Bellingham burst onto the scene in professional soccer with Birmingham City, he has not failed to catch the eyes of the top club. The world witnessed a battle between top clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City to capture his signature in 2023. However, in 2020 it was Manchester United who were close to securing the services of the Englishman.
🚨 Jude at Carrington, Sir Alex Ferguson and… an incredible story for Manchester United 🔴🤯
The Athletic reveals that Jude Bellingham visited Carrington in March 2020 — Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his assistants felt Sir Alex Ferguson would add a glamorous finish to their… pic.twitter.com/N0nM0WJJad
— Manchester United Forever (@Utd_Forever7) December 28, 2023
Jude Bellingham experienced his first taste of senior-level soccer with Birmingham City during the 2019-20 season. According to reports at the time, the then-Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was impressed with the teenager’s displays. Consequently, the club even submitted a £30 million bid but were overlooked by Bellingham in the end in favor of a move to Borussia Dortmund.
How Jude Bellingham’s career would have shaped out if he had joined Manchester United?
We would have been looking at a very contrasting career trajectory for Jude Bellingham if he had indeed been convinced of a move to Old Trafford. The role Borussia Dortmund has played in his development can not be understated. In our opinion, joining the Bundesliga provided the perfect level of exposure at such a young age to Jude Bellingham.
2023: narrowly misses out on the Bundesliga title on the last day 😢
2024: Real Madrid’s top scorer as they are crowned LaLiga champions for the 36th time 🏆
What a difference a year made for Jude Bellingham 💛 pic.twitter.com/4jRv6YJqep
— 433 (@433) May 6, 2024
It has been no secret that United have been held back tremendously over the last decade due to their questionable strategies. Bellingham made a wise decision not to be involved with a club with no clear direction to achieving their long-term objectives. It is difficult to imagine the midfielder having benefitted from Manchester United the same way he did with Dortmund.
We believe that the 2023 Golden Boy winner would have been miles away from the situation he enjoys currently at Real Madrid had he joined Manchester United in 2020. The claim is even supported by a similar example of Jadon Sancho. The winger decided to associate himself with United after a successful stint in Germany with Borussia Dortmund. It is fair to say that Sancho has not enjoyed his time at United so far and must have questioned his transfer.
Jude Bellingham’s incredible debut season with Real Madrid
The 20-year-old midfielder made a brave call to join the biggest club in the world this early in his career. There were several question marks at the beginning regarding whether he could adapt to a different league, language, and culture while also improving his game. Bellingham has responded emphatically with one of the best debut seasons at Real Madrid in recent memory.
⚪️🏴 22 goals, 10 assists. Jude Bellingham is back.
“He had a virus, he’s not perfectly fine and ready”, said Ancelotti before the game. 🔙✨ pic.twitter.com/oLNmAFE0nz
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2024
On the back of a disappointing season, Real Madrid paid a hefty amount to secure the services of Jude Bellingham in 2023. He has ensured that he has repaid the trust shown in him with fabulous displays throughout the campaign. Bellingham has been Madrid’s top goalscorer so far in La Liga with 18 goals which has played a key role in Los Blancos lifting their 36th La Liga title.
With the European season about to get over, Bellingham and Real Madrid have a chance at more silverware with the UEFA Champions League still very much achievable. Their association does not provide any signs of breaking down. The England international has regularly mentioned his desire to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for a long time and become a club legend.