Premier League Rumors: Short On Funds, Borussia Dortmund Target Bellingham Slipping Away

Borussia Dortmund's chances of landing Jude Bellingham from Birmingham hit a major roadblock. Reports have it that Die Borussen is struggling to raise funds to acquire the 16-year-old football player which is set at $61.74 million. Aside from Dortmund, Manchester United is also linked to the English midfielder although the former is believed to be leading the race for his services.

According to Bild, Dortmund had a good chance of landing Bellingham if they can pitch at least $39.8 million to Birmingham. But with clubs experiencing financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dortmund was allegedly only able to bid $22.23 million for him.

It remains to be seen if Dortmund will still pursue the 16-year-old. If Birmingham stands pat on its asking price, a recourse would be to sell off some of its players. One name that comes to mind is Jadon Sancho. But as mentioned in a previous post, Der BVB claims it plans to keep the winger. Head of licensing player department Sebastian Kehl declared that Sancho is unlikely to leave the team. They are asking nothing less than $144 million for Sancho - an amount only a select number of clubs are likely to afford.

Also, Dortmund needs to be aware that other teams may enter the fray. Aside from the Red Devils, Arsenal and Chelsea have also expressed interest in the team. Though they are trying to bring down the asking price for Bellingham further, the club who can offer the most money will likely end up with the rising teenage booter.

United is likely to get a big boost from this development. It will be recalled that the Red Devils made their move on Bellingham in March, inviting the teenager and his family to the Carrington training base where he met Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and former manager, Sir Alex Fergusson. Aside from that, Bellingham was also promised was offered a chance to make the first-team. Playing time is one of the essential things that Bellingham is considering.

Bellingham will be turning 17 soon but most feel he can still improve. Dortmund has been known as the best place to develop promising talent. However, the financial debacle they have to deal with right now may hinder that from happening. Bellingham's father preferred his son to go to Die Borussen and follow the same path that Sancho is taking.