Manchester City are reportedly eyeing Jude Bellingham as their primary target to replace Erling Haaland in the event of a future departure, signalling the club’s long-term planning amid persistent transfer speculation surrounding the Norwegian striker.
While Haaland remains under contract at the Etihad Stadium until 2034 and continues to excel under Pep Guardiola, reports in Spain suggest that City’s executives are already considering contingency plans, especially with Real Madrid’s growing interest in the prolific forward.
According to a report from Defensa Central, Guardiola and Manchester City are “obsessed” with the idea of signing Bellingham. Should Haaland eventually be sold – potentially for around €200 million – the Premier League champions would “go straight” for the English midfielder, who has become one of the standout players in Europe since joining Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023.
The report adds that City have not forgotten their failed attempt to sign Bellingham before his Real Madrid move, and believe the 21-year-old would be the ideal leader for their next-generation project. Guardiola is said to admire Bellingham’s intelligence, composure, and ability to control matches — traits that align perfectly with City’s high-tempo, possession-based football.
For Manchester City, Haaland’s potential exit remains hypothetical, but it is clear that the club’s hierarchy are already preparing for every possible scenario. The Norwegian striker, who has scored over 130 goals since arriving from Borussia Dortmund in 2022, remains central to the team’s dominance in both domestic and European competitions. However, Real Madrid’s persistent interest — and Haaland’s own openness to a future La Liga challenge — ensure that rumours will continue to swirl.
Bellingham, meanwhile, has emerged as Real Madrid’s golden boy, seamlessly filling the void left by Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos and quickly becoming the face of the club’s new era. His influence both on and off the pitch makes any potential move extraordinarily difficult, with Madrid viewing him as untouchable for the foreseeable future.
Despite that, City’s reported admiration underlines their ambition to maintain elite standards and long-term leadership even in the face of potential superstar departures. With Guardiola entering the final years of his contract, the English champions appear determined to safeguard the future of their project with players capable of defining the next decade.
FAQ
- Is Erling Haaland leaving Manchester City?
There is no confirmation of Haaland leaving. He remains under contract until 2034 and is committed to City, though Real Madrid’s interest continues to generate speculation.
- Why are Manchester City targeting Jude Bellingham?
Pep Guardiola and the club’s hierarchy see Bellingham as an ideal leader for the team’s next era, should Haaland eventually move on. His skillset and maturity fit City’s long-term vision.
- Would Real Madrid sell Bellingham?
Highly unlikely in the near future. Bellingham is considered Madrid’s most valuable asset, with the club building its future around him.
- How much would Manchester City need to pay for Bellingham?
Reports suggest any bid would need to exceed €200 million, which would likely make him one of the most expensive players in football history.
- Have City tried to sign Bellingham before?
Yes. City were among the English clubs interested in signing him from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 before he chose Real Madrid.
Conclusion
Manchester City’s reported pursuit of Jude Bellingham highlights their strategic foresight and commitment to maintaining a world-class squad regardless of future departures. While Erling Haaland remains the present and Bellingham the dream for the future, City’s meticulous planning under Pep Guardiola and sporting director Hugo Viana ensures they are always one step ahead in the transfer market. Whether or not this blockbuster switch ever materialises, it underlines the Etihad club’s relentless drive to remain at the top of world football.
