Jude Bellingham, now a key player for Real Madrid and the England national team, was a transfer target for Juventus in 2020 before he ultimately joined Borussia Dortmund. The revelation comes as Bellingham continues to impress, most recently scoring twice in England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Norway.
Prior to his move from Birmingham City, Bellingham visited Juventus’s training facilities at Jtc and Vinovo, reportedly showing interest in 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. However, Dortmund offered immediate first-team football and a fee of €30 million, proving to be the more attractive option for the young midfielder.
Bellingham’s affinity for Juventus extends beyond a professional consideration; he has openly displayed a fondness for the club. 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 – which he happily posed with, dedicating it to “Zizou +” in place of the usual sponsor logo. This gesture highlighted a clear admiration for the Italian club and its history.
Claudio Chiellini, brother of defender Giorgio and a former Juventus Next Gen director, confirmed the club’s interest in Bellingham, alongside other young talents like Erling Haaland. He stated that both Bellingham’s brothers visited the facilities, but Juventus ultimately failed to finalize the deals. Chiellini acknowledged that securing such young players is often difficult, with some moves succeeding – like Kenan Yildiz – while others, like Bellingham’s, remain a source of regret.
Currently, a player of Bellingham’s caliber is notably absent from Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus squad. His performances for both Real Madrid and England demonstrate a maturity beyond his 23 years, solidifying his status as one of the world’s most promising midfielders. The missed opportunity serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape in youth recruitment and the challenges faced by clubs in securing top talent.
