How Juventus came close to signing Jude Bellingham in 2019

• An ex-scout for Juventus has revealed how close the club were to signing Bellingham
• The midfielder is now shining for La Liga giants Real Madrid and England national team
• Top English clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all tried to sign the midfielder before

In a revelation that sheds light on what could have been, former Juventus chief scout Matteo Tognozzi has disclosed the Serie A club’s close encounter with securing the signature of England’s rising football sensation, Jude Bellingham, in 2019. Bellingham, now a standout performer for Real Madrid, had been on the radar of several top clubs before making a high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund. Tognozzi’s revelation adds a layer of intrigue to the trajectory of Bellingham’s career, unveiling the near-miss scenario that could have seen him don the iconic black and white stripes of Juventus.

The narrative surrounding Jude Bellingham has grown into one of immense promise and potential, with the player garnering significant attention for his performances on the pitch. His stint at Birmingham City was marked by such acclaim that the club took the extraordinary step of retiring his shirt number when he departed at the age of just 17. Fast forward to the summer of 2023, and Bellingham’s stock had risen to unprecedented heights, leading to a mega-money transfer to Real Madrid.

The impact of Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has been nothing short of sensational. In a mere 14 games across various competitions, the English star has found the net an impressive 13 times, showcasing his prowess and contributing significantly to his team’s successes. Notably, his brace in a recent Clasico against arch-rivals Barcelona further solidified his status as a footballing superstar.

Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in the summer and has enjoyed a stunning start to his Real Madrid career. | PHOTO: GOAL |

READ: The deeper position Jude Bellingham is playing at England

However, Matteo Tognozzi’s revelation introduces an intriguing twist to Bellingham’s narrative. The ex-Juventus chief scout disclosed that the Serie A giants were on the brink of securing Bellingham’s services in 2019. Tognozzi, who spent six years at Juventus until October 2023, expressed regret over the missed opportunity, stating, “It’s the big regret. In 2019 we were close, I had met him and his family, but the boy decided to continue his growth path at Birmingham.”

Juve’s near-miss with Bellingham is not an isolated incident. Other prominent clubs also found themselves in the same situation before the midfielder’s moves to Dortmund and subsequently to Real Madrid. Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard revealed in a podcast appearance that he was keen on bringing Bellingham to Stamford Bridge during his tenure. However, the deal did not materialize due to reluctance from the club’s hierarchy to meet the £20 million valuation for the talented young midfielder.

Similarly, back in 2022, former Birmingham chief executive Xuandong Ren unveiled Manchester United’s vigorous pursuit of Bellingham during his time with the Midlands club. Ren detailed how Ed Woodward, the former chief of Manchester United, was persistent in attempting to secure Bellingham’s signature, even offering double the salary package proposed by Borussia Dortmund. Despite the enticing financial incentives, Bellingham chose a path based on his growth and footballing aspirations rather than the lure of monetary gains.

The revelation of Juventus’ close encounter with Jude Bellingham in 2019 adds another layer to the intricate web of transfer negotiations and decisions that shape the trajectory of a player’s career. The “what if” scenario surrounding Bellingham and Juventus prompts reflection on the butterfly effect in football, where a single decision or choice can have far-reaching consequences for a player, a club, and the broader landscape of the sport.

As Bellingham continues to shine on the grand stage with Real Madrid, the near-miss with Juventus becomes a fascinating chapter in his journey—a chapter that could have seen him don the famed black and white stripes of Turin. Yet, as the footballing world witnesses the blossoming career of Jude Bellingham, the intricate dance of transfers and near-misses remains an integral part of the beautiful game’s narrative.