Jude Bellingham, currently starring for Real Madrid and England, was a target for Juventus in the spring of 2020 before his move to Borussia Dortmund, according to reports in the Italian press. The midfielder, who recently scored twice against Norway in the European Championship quarter-finals, reportedly showed a genuine affinity for the Turin club.
Prior to finalizing his transfer to Dortmund for a reported €30 million, Bellingham visited Juventus’s training facilities at JTC and Vinovo, exploring a potential pathway into the first team. The initial plan involved a gradual integration, starting with the club’s Under 23 side, then competing in Serie C. Ultimately, however, Bellingham opted for Dortmund, where he was promised immediate first-team football.
Bellingham’s connection to Juventus extends beyond the potential transfer. He was gifted a special Juventus Christmas sweater by his brother, a replica of the club’s 2000-01 kit – the last season Zinedine Zidane played for the Bianconeri. The sweater featured a dedication to Zidane, replacing the usual sponsor logo with “Zizou +”.
Claudio Chiellini, brother of defender Giorgio and a former Juventus Next Gen director, confirmed the club’s interest in Bellingham and Erling Haaland at the time. He stated that both players, along with their fathers, visited the Vinovo training ground, but Juventus were unable to finalize deals for either. Chiellini acknowledged that securing young talents is often challenging, with some moves succeeding, like Kenan Yildiz, while others, such as Bellingham’s, ultimately fall through.
Bellingham has since become a pivotal player for both Real Madrid and the England national team, demonstrating a maturity beyond his 23 years. His absence is keenly felt by Juventus supporters, who recognize the quality that could have bolstered Massimiliano Allegri’s midfield. The missed opportunity serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape in player recruitment and the difficulty in securing top young talent.
