Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham has a huge decision to make this summer. The teenager has captured the interest of Europe's footballing elites and it is likely inevitable that he moves on from the German side, who have developed him so carefully, at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea are all firmly in the race for his signature while Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain also hold significant interest. Much has been discussed about his future but it is still not exactly clear where the talented midfielder wishes to play.
Reports emerged late last year Madrid was his preferred destination while several Liverpool fans theorised he would be heading to Anfield after his relationship with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson was clear for all to see during England's 2022 World Cup campaign.
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Meanwhile at Stamford Bridge, Todd Boehly is said to be all in for Bellingham despite acquiring Enzo Fernandez and subsequently breaking the British record transfer fee. Those associated with the Blues were able to take a closer look at Bellingham on Tuesday evening as Dortmund took on Chelsea in the Champions League.
Bellingham's team were a goal ahead from the last-16 first leg, but strikes from Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz took Chelsea through to the quarter-finals. By his standards, the 19-year-old had a relatively quiet game, although he missed a golden opportunity right after Havertz's goal, poking wide from ten yards out after Chelsea failed to clear.
With Bellingham's entourage in England, journalist Santi Aouna revealed that his father met with Real Madrid’s head of recruitment Juni Calafat in London. Upon hearing about the meeting transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided some clarity on what it means.
Romano told CaughtOffside: “It’s absolutely normal to meet when directors are traveling for Champions League. Bellingham’s father is holding meetings every week, same for Borussia director Sebastian Kehl. The crucial point is Bellingham’s decision, and this hasn’t been made yet.”
While meetings are taking place between Bellingham and potential suitors, with Boehly also bumping into the England international after the game and sharing a firm hug, Dortmund are trying to pull off what could be described as the unthinkable by keeping him at Signal Iduna Park beyond the summer, according to club director Sebastian Kehl.
Speaking to broadcast journalist Carrie Brown, Kehl said: "We will do all we can to keep Bellingham at BVB for one more season".
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