Borussia Dortmund chief admits Jude Bellingham could leave next summer

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that the German giants could be forced into selling Jude Bellingham during next summer's transfer window.

The England international has been in excellent form for BVB during the 2022-23 campaign, contributing nine goals and three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Bellingham has netted three goals and registered two assists in 15 Bundesliga outings this term, in addition to scoring four goals and providing one assist in five Champions League group-stage fixtures.

The 19-year-old has another three years left to run on his contract at Dortmund, but there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future over the last few months.

A host of the world's biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, are believed to be keen to sign him during next summer's transfer window.

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There have been claims that Dortmund would want in excess of £100m for the former Birmingham City youngster, who is expected to be a starter for England at the World Cup.

Watzke has revealed that the German outfit will hold talks with the midfielder and his family once the upcoming international competition has finished.

However, the Dortmund CEO has admitted that his club would not be able to "fight financially" with the biggest teams in world football.

"I think as soon as Qatar is over (hold talks). We will have a general discussion about what he actually wants. With him, with his parents, with whom we have a very close relationship. And of course with his advisor," Watzke told Bild.

"And then he should just tell us whether he wants to stay or whether he wants to leave. In both cases, we will have a very pleasant and reasonable discussion with each other. But we don't have to pretend that the issue is not on the table. If the really big clubs are involved, then we can't afford to have a fight financially."

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Bellingham has made 112 appearances for Dortmund since his arrival from Birmingham in 2020, contributing 19 goals and 21 assists in the process.

The majority of the midfielder's outings for BVB have been in the Bundesliga (76), but he has also played 21 times in the Champions League, contributing six goals and five assists in the process.

Bellingham's deal is not due to expire until June 2025, which would place the German giants in a strong position when it comes to any potential negotiations next summer.

Real Madrid were thought to be at the head of the queue for his signature, but a recent report claimed that Los Blancos were not prepared to meet Dortmund's asking price, potentially handing the Premier League clubs an advantage.