BUNDESLIGA
Which scenario could see Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham extend his contract with Borussia Dortmund?
Dortmund director of football Sebastian Kehl believes there is one situation that could see Bellingham prolong his stay in the Bundesliga.
Borussia Dortmund’s director of football Sebastian Kehl hasn’t ruled out Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham extending his stay with the Bundesliga club and insisted that not only does the Englishman not have a release clause, but he also still has two years left on his contract. “There is no release clause and he still has a two-year contract. He is a player who is valuable to us and whoever wants him will have to pay for him”, Kehl told Sky.
Dortmund Bundesliga win would “send a message”
“There have been times when I’ve had the feeling that he is going to leave, and others when I’ve thought he’s going to stay. The fight for him will intensify once the season has finished,” he added. But Kehl still thinks it’s possible that Bellingham could extend his contract in Germany: “I don’t think we have no chance of keeping him. Because I think that if, for example, we are champions ahead of Bayern, we’ll be sending a message”, he said.
Bellingham “totally focused” on title
Dortmund won’t give Bellingham an ultimatum with regard to his future and, for now, the only thing that he is focused on is the title race. “We know that Jude wants to win the title. He is totally focused and not involved in discussions about his future. Obviously, I’m in constant contact with his parents who come to our games,”, Kehl revealed.
Real Madrid target Bellingham “irreplaceable”
The club knows that Bellingham’s future could play out in several different ways and is ready for each one of them. “If he leaves, it will be possible for us to make a lot of money given his market value. We’ve had some joy with that in the past (with other players)”, Kehl explained.
“However, we know that Jude Bellingham is a player who cannot be replaced directly by signing one other player. The way he’s playing and the potential he has means he’s an incredible player. He’s irreplaceable, even if you have lot of money”, he added.