Chelsea has certainly faced its fair share of challenges in recent years, with the club’s fortunes taking a downturn, particularly after changes in ownership. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that some questionable decisions were made even before these changes.
One such decision that stands out now is the club’s failure to secure the services of Jude Bellingham when he was available for a relatively modest fee. It’s worth noting that during Frank Lampard’s initial tenure as Chelsea manager, he was keen on bringing Bellingham to the club.
At that time, it seems the club hesitated to invest a £20 million transfer fee in a young talent like Bellingham. In hindsight, this decision has proven to be a significant and regrettable mistake for the Blues.
As reported by Birmingham Live, Lampard discussed this matter on the Obi One Podcast, shedding light on what could have been for Chelsea.
“When I was managing at Chelsea I was desperate to bring Jude Bellingham in. But I couldn’t get it through upstairs – the idea of paying £20m for someone his age (at the time)…”
Chelsea’s past decisions are now haunting them as they passed on the opportunity to sign a Real Madrid superstar, now valued at £114 million, for a mere £20 million.
Jude Bellingham’s journey began when he left Birmingham City as a 17-year-old to join Borussia Dortmund for a reported initial transfer fee of approximately £25 million. His impact was so significant that Birmingham City even retired his number 22 shirt.
Bellingham’s growth at Borussia Dortmund was remarkable, culminating in him being named Bundesliga Player of the Season. His impressive journey continued with a €134 million move to Real Madrid last summer.
There were initially doubts about his success in the Spanish capital, but those doubts have vanished. Bellingham’s sensational start at Real Madrid has quickly established him as the face of the club. If he maintains this trajectory, numerous trophies and Ballon d’Or awards may await him in the future. It’s astonishing to think that Chelsea once had the chance to sign him for a mere £20 million.
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