Serie A clubs start transfer MISSION to find 'next Jude Bellingham'

Cameron Smith

25 Mar 2024 12:38 GMT
3 min read

Jude Bellingham, Italy, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Serie A clubs have reportedly started a transfer mission in the Championship in an attempt to unearth the next Jude Bellingham.

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Bellingham, 20, famously came through Birmingham City’s academy before leaving the English club to join Borussia Dortmund in 2020.

Despite making only 44 first-team appearances, Birmingham took the controversial decision to retire Bellingham’s No.22 shirt. At the time, they were ridiculed for retiring the shirt of a player aged just 17, but the decision looks to be an inspired one given how his career has panned out.

The 20-year-old is already a Real Madrid superstar and he is arguably England’s best and most important player.

Now, Italian clubs have decided to venture into the Championship in an active bid to find the next Bellingham, according to The Mirror.

The Real Madrid star’s brother, Jobe, is an understandable starting point and Lazio are the leading Serie A side in the race to sign him.

Maurizio Sarri’s team also attempted to sign Sunderland winger Jack Clarke in January and are now expected to return in the summer window. They remain keen on Plymouth Argyle’s Morgan Whittaker and Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe too.

In addition, Jordan James and Charlie Cresswell have been linked with a move to Italy.

© IMAGO - Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid in 2023

What has been said?

An unnamed Italian scout provided insight behind Serie A’s focus on Championship signings, admitting to The Mirror: “The Championship has a big record for generating talent and it's a fast-paced league with lots of matches.

“There is a feeling that it is underrated in England and has produced many top players that now play in the Premier League but the talent is not hugely expensive.

“It's not just about Jude [Bellingham] but English players have also been successful in Serie A, guys like Chris Smalling, Ruben Loftus Cheek, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham.

“They did not come directly from the Championship but these players also did not receive the appreciation they deserved in England.”