Down The Wings

Manchester United Fan Blog

How Big A Loss Is Bellingham For Manchester United?

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Manchester United have reportedly been snubbed by 16-year-old Jude Bellingham in favour of a move to Borussia Dortmund. According to Christian Falke via UnitedReport Dortmund have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City. Inevitably, this has led to a meltdown among many Manchester United fans but is it really a big loss for the club.

In terms of English football, Bellingham choosing Dortmund over England’s biggest club is certainly symbolic. For the past few years now we have seen the Germans be able to lure England’s best talent to the Bundesliga.

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Jadon Sancho is the biggest name. The winger decided that he would leave City, who couldn’t provide a clear path to the first team to go to Dortmund. The 20-year old has now become one of the Bundesliga and Europe’s best. We’ve also seen similar patterns with Jonjoe Kenny and Rabbi Matondo who have established themselves at Schalke. Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, and Ethan Ampadu have also found themselves with stints at Germany’s premier division.

The exodus of young players to Germany displays a harsh reality; England is not the place for a young player to develop that it once was.

Taking a look closer to home, is it really a big loss for United?

The simple answer is yes! but that is by no means the full answer. Jude Bellingham is unquestionably a player to keep an eye on if he does find himself in Germany. For a 16-year-old, to have caught the eye of Europe’s elite playing in a Championship, is evidence of real potential.

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However, while a meltdown is likely it is perhaps unnecessary. As a club, maybe it is a chance to look closer to home. Dylan Levitt and James Garner are set for loans after outstanding under 23s campaigns. Would an added midfielder, who is younger than both, throw their future into doubt? Dylan Levitt made his debut this season in Astana and looked bright. James Garner has had more cameo’s in the first team and has looked solid when given opportunities.

Hannibal Mejbri is another midfielder who has captured the imagination of many while playing for the youth team. The 17-year-old Frenchman is also set for a larger role in the Manchester United reserve team and has also been rumoured to be fast-tracked into the first team.

While non of the players mentioned have had the experience of even any real first-team football. They are evidence that losing out on Jude Bellingham is not the end of the world.

Founder of Down The Wings, William Bititbiri on the Podcast

Founder, Editor, Writer.

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