Former Chelsea manager and club legend, Frank Lampard, recently shared insights into his attempts to sign the talented young midfielder, Jude Bellingham, during his tenure in charge of the club.
Lampard, speaking on Mikel Obi's 'Obi One' Podcast, revealed that he was, in his words, "desperate" to bring Bellingham to Chelsea. However, the stumbling block was the club's management's reluctance to meet the £20 million asking price, which was set at the time for the young English talent.
In the world of football, timing can make all the difference. While Lampard's attempts to secure Bellingham's services at Chelsea didn't come to fruition, the player eventually made a significant move. Bellingham transferred from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund for a £25 million transfer fee, showcasing his immense potential and talent in the game.
Fast forward to the present, and Bellingham has continued to impress. Lampard noted that the midfielder's career trajectory took him to Real Madrid, who secured his services last summer in a high-profile deal worth up to £113 million, underlining the remarkable journey of this young English international.
During Lampard's initial managerial stint at Chelsea, which spanned from July 2019 to January 2021, the club opted to sign established players like Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, and Edouard Mendy. These players have since made their mark in the football world, albeit their departures from the club. However, the story of what might have been with Jude Bellingham remains an intriguing 'what-if' in Chelsea's recent history.
