Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham has already told Manchester United what they must do if they wish to sign him.
The Englishman is quickly becoming the most sought-after young talent in world football and he showed his talents once again on home soil this week. His opening goal on Wednesday night against Manchester City was the cherry on top of an impressive individual performance.
At just 19 years of age, Bellingham is showing why he is set to become the key ingredient in a top European club's midfield once he inevitably leaves Signal Iduna Park. There will be major interest in the teenager and the rumour mill has already linked United with the Birmingham-born teenager, as well as Chelsea and Liverpool.
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Speaking in May this year, Bellingham told prospective clubs exactly what they must do to sign him in the future. "I have my destiny in my hands," he told Ruhr Nachrichten BVB (via 90 min).
"I know that if I try hard and trust the people around me, I can move forward. I came from England as a young talent. There was not much pressure. The first season went well. There were also matches where I sat on the bench and sometimes I did not play at all.
"I think my development this year has meant that I have played a bigger role in every game except two. I am very grateful to Dortmund for the way they have nurtured my talent.
"I think a lot of the credit goes to the coaching staff and the staff who keep the noise around me. In this way, I can only focus on winning matches, because that’s what I’m here for."
The key for United will be to convince Bellingham that a move to Old Trafford is a 'move forward' rather than a potential backwards step. His young career has already been meticulously planned and the results are plain to see.
A move to Dortmund at such a young age would have been unthinkable 15 years ago for an Englishman. However, Bellingham took the leap and it is clear that he will not move away easily.
Erik ten Hag is trying to create a project at United, as can be seen by recent performances. But, with teams also interested who have been in better positions than the Reds over the last decade, Ten Hag will have to work hard to sell the United dream to Bellingham and his support base.
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