Former centre-back Rio Ferdinand has pleaded with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham to return to England and join Manchester United.
The 19-year-old is the subject of interest from a plethora of big-name European clubs ahead of 2023. United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News , are considering renewing their interest in Bellingham.
Bellingham, formerly of Birmingham City, visited United’s Carrington training base back in March 2020, as the Reds attempted to try and convince him to complete a move to Old Trafford. A few months later, however, the midfielder sealed a £25million switch to Dortmund.
He has developed quickly in Germany, emerging as the most sought-after youngster in the world. His all-round game has evolved at such speed that United manager Erik ten Hag has told confidants that if he could sign any player in the world it would be him.
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And although United are currently considered outsiders to sign the England ace, with Liverpool and Real Madrid reportedly leading the race for his signature, Ferdinand has all but begged Bellingham to join the club, insisting he could be the player that inspires the Reds’ aims of restoring their former glories.
“Manchester United, bring him here,” Ferdinand said, speaking on his Vibe with Five podcast. “Make that your home, Jude. You come here and help change the culture and take the club to the heights it should be at.”
Bellingham, who does not turn 20 until next June, was outstanding for England in Qatar, proving central to the Three Lions’ run to the last-eight. He scored their opening goal of the tournament, finding the net in the 6-2 win over Iran, and captured the attention of millions watching.
Ferdinand added: “Jude Bellingham has been a phenomenon. He has announced himself to the world now that he’s a player here to stay. He has got so much growth, room for improvement still, but he absolutely influenced games in an England shirt like we’ve never seen a teenager do for England.”
