Liverpool and Manchester City are huge fans of Jude Bellingham but former Premier League defender Andy Townsend is encouraging the Borussia Dortmund star to ‘go to Real Madrid’ instead, speaking to talkSPORT (21 March, 4.40pm).
Much is made of Bellingham’s leadership skills, his maturity, his eye for goal from central midfield and his all-action athleticism. 17 minutes into Dortmund’s 6-1 Bundesliga thumping of Koln on Saturday, however, the England international highlighted a side of his game which often goes unnoticed; the remarkable technical ability.
With BVB already one goal up, Bellingham scythed through the Koln defence with an ingenious through ball even Luka Modric would have been proud of. Sebastian Haller swept a cool finish into the top corner seconds later.
And it is this wide array of attributes which has Bellingham enjoying what Townsend describes as a ‘wonderful position’ ahead of what is likely to be a hectic summer window for the Birmingham-born 19-year-old.
Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid like Jude Bellingham
“He’s that good this boy,” says Townsend, formerly of Chelsea, Aston Villa and the Republic of Ireland.
“What a fantastic position to be in. Very few players are in that wonderful position where they can choose where they want to go.”
Liverpool and Man City are huge fans, per The Athletic. But reigning European Champions Real Madrid, the report adds, are emerging as ‘the most credible’ destination. And this comes as no surprise to Townsend.
“If Real Madrid come knocking, it is just the most exciting club by none,” he adds. “The draw of that club might be too good for him to refuse. However, he is still going to have Manchester City, Liverpool and others who are going to be in for him. It is a fantastic position to be in.
“He is (worth) £100 million plus. He is a brilliant player; up and down, a bit old school. I really like him and I think, if I was him, I would go to Real Madrid.”
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