And yet they still didn’t sign him
A scout report from an unnamed Premier League club detailing the performance of a then-16-year-old Jude Bellingham has been leaked.
Bellingham was given his senior debut in a Carabao Cup first round clash against Portsmouth on August 9, 2019 by Birmingham City.
He became the club’s youngster ever player 16 years and 38 days, breaking the record set by Trevor Francis in 1970.
Over 9,000 people were in attendance to watch the game, including one Premier League scout.
Despite being beaten on the night, Bellingham still impressed and in the scout’s verdict, delivered a man-of-the-match display, as revealed by the Daily Mail.
It said: “Only 16 but awe inspiring. He looks 6ft 1in, very athletic, long legs and enormous feet. He is still developing physically but has a frame to become a huge presence and graceful runner. He moves naturally.
“Long strides, opens his legs with strength. Has a fantastic mentality, intelligent in terms of finding space to receive possession. He gets between the lines and pulls wide.
“Made plenty of runs away from the ball to stretch, rarely gave the ball away. When he did, he quickly sprinted back.
“Never panicked on the ball, took it away from pressure and used his body.
“Threw himself into a few challenges and got a yellow card in the second half for a heavy tackle. Huge potential, only 16 and already able to go toe to toe with Portsmouth’s first team.
“Sign him, develop him, send on loan. In 18 months he will play in our first team.”
Safe to say that whichever club that was have gone on to regret their decision not to sign him.
Instead, the now 20-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund before moving to Real Madrid in the summer where he has scored 10 goals in as many games in all competitions this season.
Bellingham is also a regular name int the England first team.
Related links:
- Jude Bellingham left in hysterics by bizarre Zola ‘breastfeeding’ comment
- Joe Cole backs Jude Bellingham to make Lionel Messi impact
- Real Madrid send scouts to watch Jobe Bellingham
