Bellingham at a Barcelona Match. Only in the Stands—for Now

Jude Bellingham will be at St Andrew’s tonight for Barcelona’s friendly against Birmingham City. According to “AS”, the Real Madrid midfielder is currently on holiday following the World Cup and will greet supporters of his former club before kick-off. The stadium is expected to be sold out.

Relax—he is not there to fulfil a lifelong dream of playing for Barça or negotiate a transfer payable in six instalments. He is simply returning to the club where his career began before moves to Dortmund and Madrid. Birmingham’s bond with Bellingham runs so deep that the club retired his No. 22 shirt after his departure.

Karim Adeyemi’s debut was supposed to be the main attraction, but a Real Madrid player sitting in the stands could easily steal Barcelona’s show. One camera shot of Bellingham looking towards Hansi Flick should be enough for tomorrow’s reports about a “significant gesture”, “initial contact” and the player’s camp approving the move. Barça may not be able to sign him, but they can still put him on a few front pages for free.