Sebastian Kehl: Borussia Dortmund not giving up hope of Jude Bellingham stay

Sebastian Kehl still believes that Borussia Dortmund have a chance to keep Jude Bellingham at the club beyond the end of the season.

Speculation regarding Jude Bellingham’s future at Borussia Dortmund continues to be a major talking point across Europe. Real Madrid are said to be leading the race for Bellingham’s signature, and reports claim that they have reached an agreement on personal terms with the England international.

Sebastian Kehl has now given an update on Bellingham’s future. The BVB sporting director has revealed that they are preparing for different scenarios, but he is not expecting the 19 year old’s future to be resolved until after the end of the season. During his appearance on Sky90 on Sunday, Kehl said:

"“We have a very relaxed attitude on this issue. I have to prepare for different scenarios. We’re not going to force the issue overnight. We haven’t set a deadline. Jude wants to achieve great things with BVB, is focused and is staying out of the issue.”“I am in contact with his parents. I believe that the race for him will pick up speed again after the end of the season. But I don’t see us as being without a chance. Everything else will depend on the player and his representatives.”"

Borussia Dortmund have always stated that they would like to keep Bellingham at the club at least for one more season. The BVB bosses have also offered to make the midfielder the club’s highest paid player. But reports in Germany claimed earlier this month that he will reject that offer.

Jude Bellingham still has more than two years left on his current contract with Borussia Dortmund. The Black and Yellows will demand a transfer fee in the region of 150 million euros if he decides to leave the club at the end of the season. The sum will be difficult for even the likes of Real Madrid to pay, and so it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.