Manchester City made a strong effort to recruit Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2020, investing time, care, and attention in an attempt to lure him to the Etihad. Despite their efforts, Bellingham chose to join Borussia Dortmund over City.
City’s manager, Guardiola, even held face-to-face talks with him and highlighted the team’s strengths, but the lure of the Spanish giants, Real Madrid, proved too strong for Bellingham to resist. City had hoped that their reputation and the prospect of playing with former teammate Haaland would secure Bellingham’s transfer, but ultimately he chose Madrid over Manchester.
When news of Bellingham’s decision broke, City distanced themselves from the player, claiming they were never serious contenders for his signature. However, their attempt to save face seemed desperate, given Bellingham’s talent and the significance of their pursuit of him.
It is evident that Al-Mubarak, City’s chairman, underestimated the appeal of Real Madrid and failed to recognize the lure of the 14-time European Cup winners. Bellingham’s choice to join Madrid has proven to be the right decision for him.
