The teen is turning heads throughout Europe with the Red Devils strongly linked with a big-money move.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed the club’s pursuit of Birmingham City prodigy Jude Bellingham however concedes the reported price tag is “phenomenal”.
Bellingham, nonetheless just sixteen years of age, has starred this season in the Championship, scoring four goals and contributing two assists throughout 32 league appearances.
Set to turn 17 at the end of June, clubs throughout Europe have rapidly shown interest in the midfielder with the Red Devils most strongly linked with a feasible transfer.
With United reportedly geared up to offer around £30 million (€32m/$35m) for Bellingham, Ferdinand admits that even though that fee is challenging to fathom for such a younger player, the gamble could be well worth taking.
“Jude Bellingham, huge talent, huge talent, in reality good-looking footballer in the way he plays, the balance he is got, the maturity at such a younger age,” Ferdinand stated on Instagram Live.
“I want to see more however the price tag is phenomenal. £30 million unusual for a kid, for a 16-year-old boy, it is unbelievable.
“But it is the way of the world now and the way you’ve got to think about it, if you are paying £30m, if we keep him for 10 years it is cash properly spent.
“It’s a gamble, it is an expensive gamble, however the youngster to be playing in the Championship and doing what he is doing and looking the player he is, it is a gamble however a calculated one.
“I think he is someone I would one hundred per cent take. If I’m Man United now, go in and get him.”
With Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool amongst different clubs linked to Bellingham, Birmingham manager Pep Clotet stressed previously in March that the teen remains focused on the club he is presently contracted to.
“I always thought he is very mature and very centered – however he has to be,” Clotet told reporters.
“Because he can’t be wondering about different things than Birmingham City – and I am sure he is only wondering about Birmingham City.
“That’s the feeling I get from him, when I communicate to him and work with him.”
Bellingham has been with Birmingham City since Under-8’s and grew to be the club’s youngest ever first-team player when he made his senior debut in August 2019 against Portsmouth in the
Carabao Cup .
