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It is the summer of 2020, and Jude Bellingham has a big decision to make. Europe’s elite is tracking the Birmingham City star, and Chelsea are pushing hard for his signature.
Reports at the time suggested most of the Premier League’s biggest clubs wanted to land the now-Real Madrid star six years ago: Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and the rest of England’s top-tier sides.
Indeed, it is claimed Chelsea were ‘heavily’ involved in the race for Bellingham’s signature, according to The Athletic. But ultimately, Bellingham decided to move to Borussia Dortmund and the rest is history.
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Leboeuf knows…
Bellingham has gone on to become one of Europe’s most-feared midfield players, even if his 2025-26 season has been clouded by injury. Ahead of the World Cup, Rio Ferdinand had his say on Bellingham.
Rio Ferdinand compares Jude Bellingham to Frank Lampard
Not only did Chelsea try to sign Bellingham in 2020, but they were also pushing to land the England star in 2023. But the lure of Madrid convinced Bellingham to play in another new country, this time in Spain.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Bellingham is one of the world’s best players, simple as that. Speaking on his own podcast, Ferdinand is keen to see Bellingham shine at the World Cup – and hopes he can become the next Frank Lampard.
“I want Jude Bellingham to be the moments guy. I want him to be the Frank Lampard of Chelsea in the England team and come up with big, special goals, like he’s done for Real Madrid before,” he said.
Frank Lampard urged Chelsea to sign Jude Bellingham
If it wasn’t enough that Chelsea wanted Bellingham, and even had 62 scout reports on him while he was at Birmingham City, Lampard himself actually asked Chelsea to do a deal for Bellingham while manager.
Indeed, speaking to John Obi Mikel’s podcast, Lampard said he tried to push through a deal for the star while he was in the Midlands. But he could not convince the Chelsea board to spend £20m on him.
SEMI-FINAL 1: Frank Lampard vs Cesc Fabregas
Credit: Leila Coker/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images
“When I was managing at Chelsea (first time) 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)…” Lampard said.
One that got away for Chelsea and even worse now, given that Ferdinand believes he can become the true heir to Lampard’s legacy. Imagine Bellingham in a Chelsea shirt now, things would be very different.
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