Wonderkids Saka and Bellingham can cash in
ENGLAND starlets Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham are set to hit the jackpot after bursting on to the global stage against Iran. Saka scored twice and Bellingham capped a brilliant performance with his first international goal in the 6-2 win.
But when the pair return to domestic football, they will enter a crucial period for their futures. Talks over a new long-term contract for Saka at Arsenal, which could see his £70,000-aweek deal go beyond £200,000, are ongoing, but no agreement is close.
Boss Mikel Arteta said at the start of the season he was confident Saka, 21, would re-sign. But although talks are progressing, the fact Arsenal failed to reach a deal before the start of the World Cup could complicate things. His contract expires in 2024 but the Gunners have the option to extend it by 12 months, so there is no immediate danger. But with Saka’s profile sky-rocketing, signing him to a new deal is becoming more costly. Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge fan and views him as a dream replacement for Raheem Sterling, who left for Chelsea earlier this year.
Saka is happy at Arsenal, though, and sources have indicated there is a good chance of him committing his future to the club, particularly given their progress this season. Similarly, Bellingham’s future is entering a defining period as football’s elite clubs look to lure him from Borussia Dortmund. The Germans are resigned to losing the 19-year-old midfielder at the end of the season and want a deal worth at least £130million. All of England’s top clubs are keen, with City, Manchester United and Chelsea ready to strike. Liverpool are also long-term admirers and Jurgen Klopp’s relationship with Dortmund, the club he once managed, should leave them with a good chance. But the soaring costs are likely to prove prohibitive for the Reds. Real Madrid are also interested and could afford the fee and wages. Saka and Bellingham are not the only players who could see their earnings rocket. Mason Mount, 23, is in talks over a new deal at Chelsea, which could see his pay hit £300,000 a week. Declan Rice, also 23, is set to leave West Ham at the end of the season, with his deal up in 2024.