Jude Bellingham was on the losing side for Borussia Dortmund against Chelsea in the Champions League as transfer speculation continues to grow over the star’s future
Tuesday night, as Borussia Dortmund traveled to Chelsea for the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 match, Jude Bellingham was in the public eye.
Dortmund had been the most impressive team in European football going into Tuesday night’s match at Stamford Bridge, but they had suffered back-to-back Bundesliga losses before the World Cup break. Since Qatar, Edin Terzic’s team had won every one of its eleven games, including the opening leg of the series in Germany last month.
Bellingham, who is only 19 years old, has already made a name for himself as the standout of the German team, making his 122nd appearance for the club since joining it in 2020. He’ll probably be the guy with the highest demand during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Jürgen Klopp is rumored to be a great fan, and Liverpool has previously been linked with an interest in Bellingham. Manchester City and Manchester United, his rivals, are also fans, but Real Madrid has emerged as the front-runner for his services.
The father of Bellingham, Mark, who had a significant impact on his son’s early career, met with the European champions. Ahead of the close-by game at Stamford Bridge, Juni Calafat, director of international football for Real Madrid, held the meeting at the Chelsea Harbour hotel in London, according to Foot Mercato.
Liverpool increased their interest in signing Bellingham as a result of his standout performance for England at the most recent World Cup. Bellingham’s transfer value is continuing to rise. Klopp has acknowledged that the Reds need to make changes and is planning a summer team makeover with an emphasis on their aging midfield. Aurelien Tchouameni, who last summer left the club for Real Madrid, was an opportunity lost.
In an attempt to flatter Bellingham, the Reds manager earlier quipped, “He’s not on the market, so that’s the first problem with that player. The main issue with that player, obviously!
When Liverpool’s need for midfield reinforcements had become apparent in December, Klopp gushed over the young star, saying: “Bellingham is really outstanding. He performs so professionally, like a man of 28.
“Everyone understood his abilities, but I have no idea what it implies in terms of the financial side of things. He is exceptionally good. He played superbly in the World Cup.
When Bellingham was quizzed on his future prior to Dortmund’s Champions League clαsh with Manchester City earlier this season, the teenager explained: “The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. It would be disrespectful to consider the future while ignoring that. To be completely honest, I don’t think about it.
He said, “I want to win lot more, and I want to continue pushing the boundaries of my own ability and talent.” After that, he was a little more candid about his future goals as curiosity regarding his next move persists.
Bellingham was unable to help Dortmund beαt Chelsea and move on to the quarterfinals of the Champions League. He stood out in the middle of the field and, although missing a great opportunity late in the game, shown that he was comfortable there. Dortmund still has a lot to play for this season, including the chance to win their first Bundesliga championship in almost ten years. Since their season is still in progress, there aren’t expected to be any significant changes on the star midfielder’s future.
Yet, it becomes more and more likely that the German club will decide to sell their most valuable asset at the end of the season, especially given the number of top European teams who are actively interested in signing him and the possibility of a bidding wαr.
Dortmund will be aware that a loss of form, ιnjury or change in dynamics in the transfer market could reduce their negotiating position in future years, while the player himself – having starred for the club for three seasons – now appears to have his heart set on a transfer.
