Manchester United are reportedly lining up an ambitious January loan move for Jobe Bellingham, as the club considers reinforcing its midfield options mid-season.
The 20-year-old midfielder, currently at Borussia Dortmund, has found minutes hard to come by since his high-profile switch from Sunderland in the summer. His situation is said to have caught the attention of United’s recruitment team, who are considering testing the waters with a short-term deal.
Quiet revival opens the door to fresh plans
United’s recent uptick in form has provided breathing room for both the coaching staff and the board. After a turbulent start to the season, Erik ten Hag’s side have managed to string together three consecutive league wins, lifting them into fourth place in the Premier League.
The turnaround has partly been driven by summer signings starting to deliver — notably Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both on the scoresheet in recent fixtures. Their growing influence has helped stabilise a squad that looked fractured just a few weeks ago.
With the January window on the horizon, the club’s hierarchy appears intent on building further momentum. Reinforcements are being considered, particularly in midfield, where additional depth remains a priority.
According to Daily Express, Bellingham is one of the names on United’s radar. The younger brother of Jude Bellingham — who also made his name at Dortmund before joining Real Madrid — has yet to find his footing in the Bundesliga.
Bellingham’s struggle in Germany
Despite arriving for €32 million in the summer, Jobe Bellingham has featured just 11 timesacross all competitions, starting only twice in the league and failing to score. His adaptation to the Bundesliga has been slow, and his role in the squad remains undefined.
Off the pitch, tensions have reportedly surfaced between his father and advisor, Mark Bellingham, and Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund’s sporting director. Disagreements over Jobe’s game time are said to have complicated the young midfielder’s start in Germany.
For United, this presents a potential opening. A January loan could offer a reset for the player while giving the club a low-risk opportunity to assess his development in a familiar league.
According to NetBet, United are now priced at 7/4 to finish in the Premier League’s top four, suggesting the bookmakers view the recent revival as sustainable. A smart addition in midfield could go a long way toward consolidating that position.
Not the only name on United’s shortlist
United aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. Alongside Bellingham, the club is also monitoring Conor Gallagher, currently on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea. Gallagher’s ability to operate in multiple midfield roles makes him an appealing target, particularly for a side still looking for the right blend in central areas.
While Gallagher might offer more immediate Premier League experience, Bellingham represents a different type of gamble — one based on potential rather than proven output.
Sources close to the situation suggest that United would prefer a loan with an option to buy, allowing the club to observe how Bellingham adapts before committing to a permanent deal.
A question of timing — and readiness
Whether Bellingham would be open to leaving Dortmund so soon remains uncertain. The midfielder might feel he has unfinished business in Germany, especially at a club where his older brother flourished. But with playing time limited and the pressure mounting, a switch back to England could provide a timely reset.
United’s track record with nurturing young English talent — particularly under Ten Hag — could be a selling point. The Dutchman has not hesitated to give youth a platform when performances justify the opportunity.
For now, no formal talks have been confirmed, but Bellingham’s name remains firmly in the mix as United plot their January strategy. With midfield depth still thin and games set to come thick and fast in early 2026, the next window may offer just the right moment for a calculated move.
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