Man Utd Considered Jobe Bellingham Before £34m Midfield Overhaul

Manchester United considered Jobe Bellingham before midfield overhaul

Manchester United considered a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham during the recent summer transfer window, according to TEAMtalk. The 20-year-old impressed United's recruitment team with his performances in the Bundesliga, but the Old Trafford club instead signed Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

Player: Jobe Bellingham, 20-year-old central midfielder
Club: Borussia Dortmund (contract until 2030)
Valuation: Around £34m by Transfermarkt
United signings: Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba
Context: Casemiro departed and Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury

Deal details

TEAMtalk report that Manchester United kept a close eye on Jobe Bellingham throughout last season and, after being impressed by his performances, United's recruitment team considered purchasing him this summer to revamp the midfield department.

However, instead of making a move for Bellingham, the Old Trafford club decided to purchase Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion, respectively. Bellingham, who joined Borussia Dortmund last summer from Sunderland, is under contract at Signal Iduna Park until 2030 and is valued at around £34m by Transfermarkt. Dortmund are not in any rush to sell him.

Injury and availability

Manchester United were left with Kobbie Mainoo as the only available midfield option following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee issue. That shortage prompted the club to prioritise overhauling the engine room during the recently concluded summer window.

Who is Jobe Bellingham?

Bellingham came through Birmingham City's youth system and made his first-team debut back in 2022. He mainly featured as a rotational option at St. Andrew's before joining Sunderland the following year. The youngster took very little time to settle into his new surroundings, helping his side gain promotion by winning the Championship playoff final during the 2024/25 campaign.

However, he decided not to play in the Premier League with the Black Cats and joined the German giants last summer. Bellingham initially featured as a rotational option at Signal Iduna Park before playing regularly during the second half of last season. The Englishman helped BVB qualify for the Champions League by finishing second in the German Bundesliga, and he has even started the opening two league games for the German giants this term.

Standing at 6ft 3in, Bellingham is a right-footed box-to-box midfielder by trait but can provide cover in the defensive midfield position if needed. He is dynamic, strong, has an eye for long-range passing, and works hard without possession.

Having been impressed by Bellingham's recent eye-catching performances, Thomas Tuchel is contemplating selecting him in the England squad for the upcoming international break.

Why United chose Santos, Tielemans and Baleba over Bellingham

United's decision to sign Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba rather than Bellingham reflects an urgent need for proven Premier League quality. Bellingham, despite his potential, would have arrived from the Bundesliga as a relative unknown in English top-flight terms. Santos, Tielemans and Baleba, by contrast, have already shown they can cope with the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

With Casemiro gone and Manuel Ugarte facing a serious knee issue, United could not afford a settling-in period. Kobbie Mainoo was the only recognised senior midfielder left, so the club needed bodies ready to perform immediately. Bellingham's box-to-box profile would have added dynamism, but he is still developing physically and tactically. The £34m valuation was reasonable, yet the risk was higher than the club could tolerate in a crisis.

Bellingham's progress at Dortmund has been steady. After a rotational start, he became a regular in the second half of last season, helping BVB finish second and qualify for the Champions League. He has started both league games this term, suggesting he is now a key part of Nico Kovac's plans. Thomas Tuchel's consideration of him for England shows his reputation is growing. United may revisit the situation if he continues to impress, but for now they have addressed their immediate needs with more established names.

Talking points

Would Bellingham have been a better long-term investment than Tielemans, who is significantly older? United chose experience over potential.
If Ugarte's knee injury is as serious as reported, do United have enough cover even after three signings?
Bellingham's decision to leave Sunderland for Dortmund has been vindicated by Champions League football, but could he have made a similar impact at Old Trafford?
Thomas Tuchel considering Bellingham for England shows the midfielder's rapid rise, but is he ready for international football?

What happens next

United's new midfielders will be expected to gel quickly as the Premier League season progresses, with Ugarte's recovery timeline still unclear. Bellingham, meanwhile, will continue to start for Dortmund and could earn his first England call-up for the upcoming international break if Tuchel follows through on his consideration. Dortmund's stance remains firm: they have no need to sell a player under contract until 2030.

Frequently asked questions

Did Manchester United sign Jobe Bellingham this summer?

No. According to TEAMtalk, United considered signing Bellingham but instead purchased Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba.

How much is Jobe Bellingham valued at?

Transfermarkt values him at around £34m. He is under contract at Borussia Dortmund until 2030.

Why did United need new midfielders?

Following Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's serious knee issue, Kobbie Mainoo was the only available midfield option, so the club prioritised overhauling the engine room.