Real Madrid and Barcelona Rejected Chance to Sign England’s Jude Bellingham at 16 Years Old

• La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona turned down an opportunity to sign English youngster Jude Bellingham at 16 years old
• Bellingham has turned to one of the most coveted players in world football currently ever since he joined Borussia Dortmund
• The English midfielder would later fetch a record €25-million fee for Birmingham in July 2020 when he joined the Bundesliga side

Jude Bellingham is presently one of the biggest stars in world football, but the Englishman could have been playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona if they had taken the risk of signing him.

The midfielder has been a shining light since joining Bundesliga outfit, Borussia Dortmund in July 2022 from Birmingham City in a club record fee of €25-million for the English club.

According to Football Espana, Spanish scout, Andres Manzano has now revealed that both La Liga giants could have had Bellingham for free but turned down the opportunity.

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“He was going to leave [Birmingham City] and my job consisted of offering him to important clubs, including Real Madrid and Barca. Both had the opportunity to trial him but neither wanted to face the investment it required at that time. They did not bet on him.”

This summer, Bellingham has been heavily linked with a move away from Dortmund, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Los Blancos all reported to be interested.

Chelsea enter race for Bellingham

Meanwhile, despite spending over £600-mil in the last two transfer windows, Chelsea have not given up on convincing Bellingham to contemplate a move to Stamford Bridge, The Telegraph reports.

The England internation is the most wanted midfielder in the world and the Blues are reportedly ready to make their move for his signature.

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Chelsea smashed the British record when they paid £106-mil for Enzo Fernandez, but they are set to recruit another central midfielder in the summer, with West Ham United's Declan Rice and Brighton's Moises Caicedo also targets.

Bellingham remains undecided on future

Sports Brief also reported on what Bellingham's future could hold and that Borussia Dortmund are very keen to find out.

The Bundesliga side are eager to hold onto the player but he isn't sure where he will play, according to news reports.

Bellingham is hesitating in making a decision between a move to Liverpool or Real Madrid or to stay at Dortmund.