Chelsea FC has been investing heavily in youth and one player who Frank Lampard is reportedly targeting is Jude Bellingham. Despite being only 16 years old, some feel that he is ripe to play in the big leagues. All that is for one, former Chelsea player Frank Sinclair.
Sinclair alleges Bellingham still has a lot to improve on. A sudden jump to Premier League action may not immediately reap dividends for him despite his sensational showing in Birmingham. The English midfielder caught a break this season, playing 32 games before football action was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Regardless, there are multiple teams showing interest in Bellingham aside from Chelsea.
“He has to think about playing games, getting better and improving as a player – which I think will be very difficult for him to do at Chelsea," Sinclair said to GentingBet.
At his age, there is no question that Bellingham can still improve on his game. And while Sinclair and other critics feel he should rethink making the big jump, a stint with Chelsea could guide him towards becoming a better player. Lampard has drawn raves for his ability to mold young players and bringing out the best in them, something that could also factor in the next move of the English footballer. And somehow, Sinclair gave an inkling of that, mentioning how it was important for the teenage footballer to join the right team.
“So, if he is going to move on from Birmingham and kick on at a higher level, it is really important that he goes to a club where he can play week in, week out as that’s the only way he’ll improve and fulfill the potential that he’s got," Sinclair said.
Aside from the Blues, other teams who have Bellingham on their radar include Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund. The interest in the 16-year-old is not surprising with most teams now seemingly focused on turning to youth to become better clubs.
But before getting ahead, there is Birmingham to worry about. They are likely to ask for something no less than $37 million to let Bellingham walk. Chelsea should have no problem satisfying that demand since they are expected to spend heavily in the next transfer window. The same case holds true for United and Dortmund.
For now, that all hands in the balance. The fate of the current season needs to be settled first before the contracts of players start kicking in.
