Edin Terzic says Borussia Dortmund has been the “perfect step” for Jude Bellingham and wants him to reject the Premier League again.
Bellingham, 19, joined Dortmund three years ago despite Manchester United being among a clutch of English clubs hoping to sign him. Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid want him this summer but Terzic says Bellingham’s learning experience in Germany has been vital for his career as Dortmund battle to persuade the England star to stay for another year.
Bellingham has established himself on the biggest stage while at Dortmund and shone for England at the World Cup to become one of the most sought-after stars in Europe.
Dortmund boss Terzic, whose side are on a 10-game winning run, said: “Look, with all the respect for Jude and his performance, we have been answering this question since he joined.
“He chose to join us because he knows this can be the perfect step for him and I think we’ve proven it both ways. He’s helping us a lot but I also think that we as a club on that stage are helping him and his career as well.
“We’re really happy and delighted that he is part of our team, he’s one of our leaders at the age of 19, he stepped through to the English national team as a player of BVB and this is something we’re really happy with.
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“But we also know we need a good performance from him tomorrow to get to the next stage. This is something that is going to be a topic for his future but our future now is that we’re going to face a really good opponent tomorrow in Chelsea FC and so we need him in a good way tomorrow.”
Dortmund’s former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can said Bellingham is “world class” as he also admitted he enjoyed his old club’s 7-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.
Can said of Bellingham: “Everyone knows his potential. He’s a world-class talent. It’s difficult to know what’s best for him and that’s something he and his family have to decide.
“To be honest, I didn’t see the game [at Anfield]. I was not at home, that’s why I didn’t see it. The reaction was amazing, of course. I always look for Liverpool’s results and it’s an amazing result, especially against Manchester United.”
Bellingham played all 90 minutes as Dortmund secured a 2-1 win over RB Leipzig on Friday, with Can scoring their second goal. The win ensured they kept pace with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, leaving the fierce rivals level on points.
The Black and Yellow are also aiming to secure passage into the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday. They hold a slender advantage over Chelsea heading into the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Bellingham captained Dortmund in the first leg and is set to play a key role at Stamford Bridge. Marco Reus should retain his spot in the starting line-up to skipper Terzic's side, having missed the first leg.
