USMNT defender George Bello could be on the move from Atlanta United as they’ve agreed to a $3.75 million fee with Cercle Brugge the deal would also rise due to add-ons and include a sell-on fee. The only snag is that Bello is not fully convinced with a move to Belgium and could be holding out for a move to Arminia Bielefeld in Germany, CBS Sports transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports.
Arminia Bielefeld have made an offer to Atlanta but they decided to accept the higher offer from Brugge.
Bello made his senior debut with the United States a year ago back in January of 2021 against Trinidad and Tobago. The young left back has since been called up for last summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup and was a starter in the final against Mexico. Gregg Berhalter called Bello up for the December friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina which featured an MLS-predominant roster as it took place in the middle of the European club season. Bello has not gotten the call for World Cup qualifiers and will watch Sunday’s pivotal Concacaf showdown against Canada (3:05 p.m. ET | Paramount+) in Hamilton, Ontario, from home.
Considering how well Americans have developed in Germany and Bello’s contract situation, it makes all the sense in the world why his camp would hold out but something will likely give sooner than later. If Atlanta United hold firm and Bello doesn’t agree with Brugge, he can sign a pre-contract agreement with Arminia Bielefeld in six months, causing the Five Stripes to come away empty-handed for their talented left back.
Arminia Bielefeld are no longer in dire threat of being relegated in Bundesliga play, so they may raise the offer for Bello to get him now but this likely won’t be the end of this saga with two days left in the transfer window.
