Based on the results of this new season, what Ruben Amorim needs most is reinforcements in the middle of the park.
He had instructed Manchester United to go all out to land Carlos Baleba from Brighton and Hove Albion, but the Seagulls’ valuation meant a move never materialised.
Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson also proved out of the club’s grasp, and in desperation, INEOS even jumped for Conor Gallagher on loan, but Atletico Madrid stood firm and blocked all approaches.
As a result, the head coach has had to play Casemiro in tandem with Bruno Fernandes, and that has meant a lot of open spaces for the opposition to exploit.
Midfielder needed
There are rumours that the Red Devils plan to enter the market again in January for their summer targets, but a new avenue might just be opening up.
Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude, was a target for the Old Trafford side, but he opted to leave Sunderland in favour of joining Borussia Dortmund, much like his elder brother.
However, his journey has not been as smooth. The 20-year-old has started only three times in all competitions, and has seen a total of 301 minutes.
And that has not impressed the England U21 international, who was trying to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad on the back of his move to the Bundesliga.
Jobe Bellingham’s issues at Dortmund
As per Teamtalk, the midfielder’s father has been involved in a heated altercation with manager Niko Kovač and the player could push for a loan or permanent exit as early as January.
And the 20-time English league champions are keeping a tab on the situation. They could pounce if the disconnect continues.
“In the shadow of his brother Jude’s glittering legacy, Jobe Bellingham’s Bundesliga adventure with Borussia Dortmund is turning into a tale of unmet expectations.
“Despite high hopes and a five-year contract until 2030, Jobe Bellingham has yet to ignite, logging only 167 Bundesliga minutes across six appearances – all as a substitute – and failing to register a single goal or assist.
“Sources close to the club reveal heated exchanges with Kovač, who views the youngster’s adaptation as an ongoing ‘process’ amid a competitive midfield pecking order.
United monitoring situation closely
“Now, with the 2026 World Cup looming, Jobe is desperate for consistent minutes to force his way into England’s senior squad, a goal that feels increasingly distant in Dortmund’s rotation.
“Murmurs of discontent have escalated into concrete action. Some sources indicate Bellingham is weighing up his options, including a potential loan or transfer push as early as January, despite his recent arrival.
“Clubs like Manchester United and Crystal Palace, who showed interest last summer, are still monitoring closely, drawn by his physicality and technical gifts.”
Jobe Bellingham can play as a defensive midfielder and further forward if needed, and last season for the Black Cats, he registered five goals and four assists in all competitions.
INEOS are known for their youth-first approach, and even a loan makes sense owing to the “powerful” midfielder’s skillset. His arrival would certainly transform the engine room, and potentially allow Amorim to play a more expansive style.
Feature image Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
