Chelsea are reportedly prioritising a summer move for Jude Bellingham, a target for Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
According to a report from the Evening Standard, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has made Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham his top transfer target as part of a major squad rebuild. The English international is also a target for Liverpool and Manchester City
The 19-year-old is one of Europe’s hottest commodities in the market right now, with his stock set to rise further if he stars in the upcoming World Cup. There is anticipation that the elite clubs will engage in a massive bidding war to secure the signature of the midfielder, most likely next summer.
It seems Chelsea are hoping to beat stiff competition from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to acquire the 19-year-old’s services.
Bellingham moved to Germany in the summer of 2020 and has come on leaps and bounds in a short period of time. Despite his tender age, the teenage prodigy is captaining one of the biggest teams in Europe and putting in stellar performances in the UEFA Champions League on a regular basis.
Indeed, the 19-year-old has established himself as a key part of his team’s midfield in recent times, racking up over 100 competitive appearances for BVB, notching up 36 goal contributions along the way. The former Birmingham City wonderkid has scored four goals in as many Champions League games this season, while also netting two in two in the DFB Pokal.
Almost every Premier League heavyweight, along with Real Madrid, are likely to try their luck next summer, with Dortmund holding out for an astronomical fee over the £120 million mark for their prized asset. Liverpool, for one, have been long-time favourites to land the ex-Championship star as Jurgen Klopp is desperate to bolster his ageing midfield ranks.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have arguably got the best midfield unit in world football. However, with Ilkay Gundogan’s contract at the Etihad expiring at the end of the season and Bernardo Silva still attracting interest from Barcelona, Pep Guardiola would do well to recruit a new central midfielder, with Bellingham high on Manchester City’s list of targets.
However, as per the above report, Chelsea are planning to steal a march on their Premier League rivals and have earmarked the England international as a priority signing.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is reportedly willing to go all out for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham next summer. An ambitious move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice was said to be on the cards. But the Blues’ priority is understood to be his younger England partner, Bellingham.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea can land the midfielder amidst fierce competition. With the team entering a new era this season, signing Bellingham could just be that era-defining statement signing. The midfielder is highly regarded for his creativity, playmaking, high energy, and versatility on the pitch and possesses all the necessary leadership qualities required to lead the Blues to consistent success in the long run.
