Transfer Centre

Jude Bellingham to reject new Borussia Dortmund contract?

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 January 2023

English midfielder Jude Bellingham will reject the chance to sign a new long-term deal at Borussia Dortmund, according to a report.

Jude Bellingham will reportedly reject the chance to sign a new long-term contract at Borussia Dortmund, as the midfielder looks for a move away from Germany this summer.

The 19-year-old's future is currently the subject of much speculation, with many of the leading clubs in world football said to be interested in his signature at the end of the season.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Real Madrid are thought to be the leading candidates for the England international's signature.

According to The Sun, Dortmund are preparing to offer Bellingham a new contract, which would see his wage packet increase from £90,000 a week to around £180,000 a week.

However, the report claims that the former Birmingham City youngster is set to turn down the offer, as he wants to seek pastures new during this summer's transfer window.

Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring for Borussia Dortmund on September 14, 2022 © Reuters

Dortmund are said to be prepared to let Bellingham leave if the player makes it clear that he wants to depart, but they are likely to want in excess of £100m, with 75% of the total fee up front.

The midfielder could potentially earn around £300,000 a week by departing Dortmund this summer, and there have been suggestions that he is leading towards a switch to Spain.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti recently played down suggestions that the Spanish and European champions were planning to move for the England international this summer.

"There are a lot of youngsters, like Enzo [Fernandez], and a lot of midfielders who are coming through, some of them Spanish," Ancelotti told reporters.

"Bellingham is one of them, but I'll stick with my midfielders, who are very good, especially the youngsters, like [Federico] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga and [Aurelien] Tchouameni. We have a lot of young players."

Jude Bellingham in action for Borussia Dortmund on August 6, 2022 © Reuters

However, there is said to be firm interest from Real Madrid, while Man United, Man City and Liverpool all reportedly want to bring him back to English football.

Bellingham has been in impressive form for BVB during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring nine goals and registering three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, since arriving at Dortmund from Birmingham in July 2020, he has represented the Bundesliga side on 112 occasions, scoring 19 goals and contributing 21 assists in the process.

Bellingham was also in strong form for England at the 2022 World Cup, scoring once and providing one assist in five appearances, as the Three Lions reached the quarter-finals of the competition.