Despite not landing him this summer, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remains convinced that midfielder Jude Bellingham would be perfect for his team should the opportunity arise. The England star, who is preparing to link up with former Dortmund team-mate Phil Foden at the Etihad, will consider moving to City should his Real Madrid spell come to an end.

Having been tipped to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, Bellingham opted to stay with Carlo Ancelotti’s side and has not disappointed. The 20-year-old has scored 20 goals and assisted nine in all competitions for Los Blancos, and his efforts have contributed greatly to their current position at the top of La Liga.

Thanks to Bellingham’s influence, the La Liga giants have been a different proposition than last season. The 20-year-old was brought in from Birmingham for a fee in the region of 103 million euros back in 2020. The 20-year-old has proved his versatility, being deployed as a center-back, defensive midfielder, or second striker, and has made an immediate impact in Spain.

In the Champions League quarter-finals, City will face Bellingham’s Real in a repeat of last year’s pulsating semi-finals, which was won on aggregate by Guardiola’s side. Holders City beat the 14-time Champions League winners in two legs, drawing 1-1 away and securing a thumping 4-0 win at the Etihad in the second leg.

Bellingham, who has not played for Real in the Champions League this season, hopes to play a significant role at the Santiago Bernabeu and help Ancelotti’s men continue their push for silverware. The first leg of the quarter-final will be played on April 9-10, with the return on April 16-17.

Bellingham could follow the path of another English-born German, Erling Haaland, who moved from Dortmund to City and has since linked up with Real Madrid. But if the Spanish giants are serious about making the deal for the England midfielder, they will be prepared to spend the big bucks.