Harry Kane has told Saturday’s England press conference – as per Beanyman Sports – that Jude Bellingham is “so mature” and a “fantastic player” amid reports that Liverpool and Manchester City want to sign at the end of the season.
Bellingham, 19, has been sensational over the last couple of years. Breaking through at Birmingham City, he has joined Dortmund and become one of the best teenage talents in world football. He has already played 176 senior matches.
This season, his form has gone to a new level. At Dortmund, he has scored nine goals in 22 games from midfield for the German club – also laying on three assists. That form has saw him start for England in Qatar, at the World Cup.
Bellingham opened the scoring for his country at the World Cup – his first goal. A perfect header in England’s 6-2 win over Iran. Starting all three games, he has been superb. Little surprise, there has been a huge amount of interest in him.
Florian Plettenberg claimed this week that it is a three-horse race to sign Bellingham between Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City. He is rated at a huge £129million. Kane was asked for his verdict on Bellingham.
“He’s had a fantastic start to the tournament, a fantastic player. He has so many qualities with and without the ball, full of energy, runs forever in a game or training. Really impressed, his leadership at his age is really high, so mature.
“Playing in the biggest competitions has helped him develop even more and hopefully he continues to do that. He’s still only 19, he has a lot of time to improve and get better. Knowing the type of person he is, I’m sure he’ll do that.”
Kane: Bellingham so mature amid Liverpool and Manchester City reports
Where does Bellingham end up? Realistically, he will be on the move next summer. Can Liverpool still manage to attract the midfielder to Anfield? Without a doubt. But, they have got to finish in the top four to stand a chance.
But given Bellingham’s quality, which is already increasing his value at the World Cup, a move to City or Madrid seems more realistic. Madrid need long-term replacements for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. A move to Madrid makes sense.
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