Bayern Munich CEO Oliver Kahn labelled Jude Bellingham “an excellent player” as he addressed speculation over a potential move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
The England international has been tipped as the next of the Black and Yellow’s young superstar breed to depart, following Erling Haaland’s exit to Manchester City ahead of the current campaign.
A return to his native country and the Premier League has been heavily mooted, though Dortmund – who handed Bellingham the captaincy for their 3-2 loss to Koln over the weekend –hope he will yet remain.
But despite their admiration for the player, the 19-year-old will not be moving to the Bundesliga champions, with Kahn insisting they are already well-stocked for his position.
“Of course, I think Bellingham is an excellent player,” Kahn told Sport Bild when asked if there would be any interest in a swoop for the teenager.
“But we’ve got Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Ryan Gravenberch, Marcel Sabitzer. I can say we’re well-equipped in that position. We’re not worried about that at all.”
Bellingham is anticipated to be a starting member of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad at the Qatar 2022 World Cup, having been a member of their Euro 2020 party which finished as runners-up.
News that City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, a mainstay of the England midfielder, will undergo shoulder surgery has cast doubt on his place, with Bellingham having deputised during the September international break.