Manchester City ‘unhappy’ after Jude Bellingham summer transfer snub

Manchester City are reportedly unhappy by how they were treated by the Bellingham family in the midst of transfer negotiations to sign the former Borussia Dortmund star last summer. 

Bellingham made a blockbuster £88 million move to Real Madrid in the summer, and has hit the ground running with eight goals and two assists through his first eight La Liga games in the famous white strip. 

There were strong reports suggesting that Manchester City came up just short in securing the midfielder’s services, but despite meetings between the player’s family and club representatives, Bellingham had already made up his mind on a move to Madrid. 

According to Real Madrid board member José Manuel Otero, City were left disappointed by how they were treated during the negotiations. 

“They told us this the other day at lunch with Girona. People from Manchester City came to eat and told us that they had been talking to Bellingham,” he said in quotes relayed by Sports Witness. 

“They said that the father (Mark Bellingham) had entertained them a little by giving them hope, but Jude said no, that he wanted to play for Real Madrid.

“That is happening with many players. When the prospect of signing for Real Madrid opens up to them, they forget everything else. Madrid is the best way to achieve glory.”

Bellingham’s signature would have been some coup for the Etihad outfit, as they continue to become a destination for the top players on the market. 

While they tended to find bargains elsewhere in Europe in years past, the signing of Erling Haaland in 2022 signalled a potential change in transfer policy from the City decision makers. 

This transition was evident in the summer as the club remained in the race to sign Declan Rice until the very end but were reportedly priced out when Arsenal were willing to spend more than £100 million on the former West Ham star. 

With their two top targets going elsewhere, the club spent their transfer kitty on Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes, who have both hit the ground running for Pep Guardiola.