A ‘wonderful’ midfielder has now made an important decision regarding a possible move to Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Man Utd need long-term replacement for Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has continued to be a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, captaining impressively and becoming a more experienced leader alongside younger teammates.
However, the Portuguese is now 31, and while his durability and lack of injury problems mean he should be able to continue for many more years, United need to ensure they have a plan in place to eventually find a successor.
Bruno now has less than two years remaining on his current contract with the Red Devils, with Fabrizio Romano providing an update on a possible release clause.
“Manchester United do not want to comment, but other sources confirm that there is a release clause – although it is not the value announced, this is not yet confirmed. For next summer, nothing has been decided. It is entirely focused on Manchester United.”
Man Utd target makes big transfer call
According to The mirrorBorussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham has decided against joining Manchester United in January, having “no interest” in leaving on loan at Old Trafford at the moment.
The Englishman only joined the Bundesliga side for a fee of £27million over the summer window but has struggled to gain game time, being linked with a move away in the process.
Bellingham is the type of player United should one day consider as a possible replacement for Bruno, albeit in a slightly more disciplined midfield role, with the 20-year-old following in his brother Jude’s footsteps by heading to Dortmund this summer.
He played for Sunderland last season, playing an important role in their promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, and not only has he been compared to Frank Lampard by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, but he is also loved by his teammates.
“Look, Jobe is a wonderful player. I’m one of his biggest fans, more than his dad. Don’t tell him that. I think Jobe is wonderful,” Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien said last season.
“He’s a wonderful addition. He even comes in at halftime to give his perspective. That’s how much he’s grown in the game. Even though he’s not playing, he’s there at halftime. We ask him for his perspective on the game because he’s a leader on our team.”
Bellingham is still so young that United should not view this as the end of the saga, and if he can get back on track and reach his potential in the years to come, he should be seen as a fantastic midfield option, bringing the box-to-box quality of Bruno.
