Manchester United are reportedly exploring a surprise January move for Jobe Bellingham, a transfer that could see the younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham make a swift return to English football.
According to reports in Germany, United are monitoring the 20-year-old midfielder’s situation closely after a difficult start to life at Borussia Dortmund. The Premier League side are believed to be weighing up a possible loan deal in the upcoming window as manager Rúben Amorim looks to strengthen his midfield options.
Jobe Bellingham joined Dortmund from Sunderland in a £25 million transfer last summer, arriving with high expectations following a breakout season in the Championship. Seen as one of the Bundesliga club’s marquee signings, the move was viewed as a natural continuation of the path his brother Jude took when he joined Dortmund in 2020 before becoming one of the world’s top midfielders.
However, things have not gone according to plan. Jobe Bellingham has yet to score in 11 appearances and has managed only two league starts ahead of Dortmund’s clash with FC Köln. His limited playing time has raised questions about his role in the squad and whether the move came too soon in his development.
Off the pitch, matters have been complicated by reported tensions between Bellingham’s father, Mark Bellingham, and Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl. The pair are said to have clashed earlier in the season when Mark voiced his frustration over Jobe’s early substitution on his Bundesliga debut. The dispute even drew public criticism from England legend Geoff Hurst, who labelled Bellingham senior’s behavior “a disgrace.”
With uncertainty surrounding his future, several English clubs have started to monitor the situation — and Manchester United appear ready to test the waters. Amorim is said to admire the youngster’s technical ability and versatility, viewing him as a potential long-term project rather than a short-term fix.
However, United’s January budget is expected to be limited following their heavy summer spending. That financial constraint has led the club to focus on loan deals, with Conor Gallagher of Atlético Madrid also emerging as a potential target.
For now, Bellingham’s priority is to earn more minutes in Germany, but a return to England — and a reunion with the Premier League spotlight — could prove tempting if his Dortmund frustrations continue into the new year.
