Frank Lampard, former Chelsea manager, discloses that he attempted to sign Jude Bellingham during his tenure at the club but was thwarted by the board’s decision. Bellingham, now a standout talent at Real Madrid, has made an impressive start, scoring 13 goals in 14 appearances, fueling the belief that he’s currently one of the world’s best players.
Lampard, speaking on John Obi Mikel’s podcast, expressed his eagerness to bring Bellingham to Chelsea when the player was still at Birmingham. Despite his recommendation to the board, the club’s hierarchy rejected the proposal, citing the hefty price tag of over £20 million for the then-teenager.
The revelation comes as Bellingham continues to shine on the global stage, recently winning the prestigious Kopa Trophy for the best player under 21. Lampard’s failed attempt to secure Bellingham’s services adds an intriguing twist to Chelsea’s transfer history, considering the player’s subsequent success.
Bellingham’s journey included intense transfer speculation involving Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund, with the latter ultimately securing his signature. Lampard’s revelation sheds light on what might have been for Chelsea had they pursued Bellingham, who has since become a football sensation.
While Bellingham’s star continues to rise, Lampard faced managerial challenges, experiencing a sacking after his second stint at Chelsea, marked by a lackluster record. The story underscores the intricate dynamics of transfer decisions and their impact on the trajectories of both clubs and players.
