This English star would be the best replacement for Bernardo Silva
The rumors surrounding Bernardo Silva’s transfer to FC Barcelona intensify by the day. The Portuguese superstar, who made the most of his riches and renowned at Manchester City, is expected to move to compete in the Spanish league.
With that said, it is undeniable that Silva is a very crucial player for the Cityzens, and his departure would very easily create a vacuum that would require the depth-loving Pep Guardiola to address it shortly.
After a possible Silva departure, City will have a huge need for a creative playmaker who can master the game, and in this piece I’ll attempt to focus on one such player who, in my opinion, is very much, if not completely, suited to fill the vacuum.
The player we’ll be discussing is none other than English sensation Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund teenager has piqued the curiosity of numerous top-tier football teams, including some Premier League heavyweights.
Bellingham, who joined the Black and Yellow in 2020, is likely one of the select few generational players who are either about to or have already revolutionized football. He has made significant contributions in the Bundesliga.
Among the various targets, Jude Bellingham, in my judgment, has the clearest case to replace Bernardo Silva at Manchester City since the player is technically quite close to the latter and exhibits character like no other. His age is yet another major attraction.
Technically, Jude Bellingham is the nearest midfielder to taking over for Bernardo Silva
At the youthful age of 19, Bellingham possesses variety that few other midfielders possess, which lends itself well to parallels with Bernardo Silva. Whether it’s in centre midfield or on either wing, the talent is at home in any position.
The former Birmingham City player, who rose to prominence in the Championship before attracting interest from Dortmund, is an expert at mixing the attacking and defensive parts of his game. He is at ease directing and moving the ball out of packed spaces, as well as taking shots with exceptional precision and control over their trajectory.
Bellingham understands where to exploit gaps and generate creative opportunities for his teammates. As previously stated, the defensive side of Bellingham’s game is simply ignored, although it would provide enough cover for Manchester City. The English star is astute with the ball at his feet, intuitively combined with intellect, and, most importantly, fearless.
What is probably most remarkable about him is that, despite his near-perfectionism and command of his own game, Bellingham’s skill is still raw and somewhat untapped, necessitating tutelage under a manager as varied and competent as Pep Guardiola.
When it comes to the latest conversations involving Bellingham and Manchester City, there have only been little murmurs of modest interests and nothing meaningful to make of it. The star’s contract with the German club does not expire until 2025, implying that going for his signature would make sense sometime around that time, or if before that, BVB’s asking price would increase. I’m not sure if the price is a concern for City, though.
Another factor that may entice Jude to join City is his friendship with Erling Haaland, with whom he had a fantastic connection at Dortmund, and given the move he made, convincing Bellingham may not be a tough chore for the new number 9.