Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard wanted to sign both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice during his time at the club
Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard wanted to sign both England internationals Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, during his time at the club. He wanted to bring in the midfielders in the summer of 2020, but nothing could happen.
The former Blues midfielder was in charge of the west London club from July 2019 to January 2021. When he was appointed, the Blues had a transfer embargo and could not sign any players.
Lampard had to rely on the youth during his time, which notably saw the rise of Mason Mount. However, the former player and manager has revealed that he wanted to bring in both the midfielders during his time at the club.
Speaking on Sky Sports (h/t Metro), the former manager revealed his transfer wish:
“I tried to sign him when I was at Chelsea, I wanted to sign him and Declan Rice, that will be England’s midfield for this tournament, probably.”
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Bellingham for next summer. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is one of the hottest prospects in Europe currently and has elite clubs showing interest in him. A goal-scoring midfielder, Bellingham has streaks of Lampard about his playing style.
Rice, meanwhile, has gone from strength to strength every season at West Ham United. The 23-year-old is also of interest to the west London club, although it remains to be seen if the Blues up their interest further.
Both the midfielders were simply phenomenal against Iran during the Three Lions opening group-stage game for the FIFA World Cup. Bellingham opened the scoring for his country, as the middle-east country were routed 6-2 by England.
It is highly likely that the duo will remain the main midfield partnership going forward in the tournament. Decent performances there are likely to see their stocks rise further. Whether the Blues can secure either of their signatures, in January or next summer, remains to be seen.
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Both of them are young, talented, and have limitless potential. It would be wise for the Blues to revisit their interest in at least one of these two midfielders, especially given N’Golo Kante and Jorginho’s aging bodies.