Reece James acts as a secret agent for Jude Bellingham transfer to Chelsea next summer
Prior to England's clash with Andorra on Saturday, Three Lions teammates Reece James and Jude
Bellingham have taken to YouTube to undergo the ultimate friendship test.
The pair are known to be good friends and who doesn't like to see England teammates
getting along? Well, one thing we love even more than that is the possibility of James
and Bellingham joining forced at Chelsea.
How wonderful would it be to watch Bellingham alongside N’Golo Kante next season? James
certainly seems to think they could form an amazing partnership.
As part of the YouTube video, Bellingham was asked which non-English teammate James said
he wished he could include in the England Squad, with Christian Pulisic, Thiago Silva,
and Kante the three options given to him.
Bellingham chose correctly in opting for Kante and then asked James why he’d want someone
who plays his position. James then spoke on behalf of a whole host of Chelsea fans by
replying: “You [Bellingham] can play alongside him.”
Could the friendship between James and Bellingham be the catalyst for the Birmingham-born star's
move to Stamford Bridge? He certainly wouldn't be the first player to be influenced by one
of his compatriots when moving clubs.
We've already witnessed the impact that Paul Pogba had on Raphael Varane’s move to
Manchester United, while Cristiano Ronaldo joined fellow Portugal international Bruno Fernandes after
the latter reportedly made a few phone calls.
What would it take for Bellingham to join Thomas Tuchel’s army next season? It seems
agent James is on the case.
Of course, there’s still the question of 'do Chelsea actually need Bellingham?'. Other
than the fact I’d love to sing the timeless 'Hey Jude' at Stamford Bridge, I’d also
enjoy seeing a balanced link-up in midfield.
Fans have commented on the defensive-minded similarities between the Blues’ current
options, so why not venture out and sign a more attacking threat?
Bellingham has become a formidable asset to Borussia Dortmund. The 18-year-old has scored
two goals and has five assists from midfield already this season - more than Chelsea’s
current midfield options combined, and his creativity and versatility are key aspects
of his game.
He carries a Frank Lampard-esque vibe that Chelsea may be able to benefit from as they
dig deep to find creativity within the team.
The ability to drive forward from a central midfield area into the final third, his quick
feet and decision making in passes is what sets him aside from those within his age bracket.
He tends to seamlessly wriggle out of tight spaces, often finding a crucial pass in the
process.
To be fair, Ruben Loftus-Cheek possesses some of the same qualities as Bellingham. It's
strange to think that Loftus-Cheek should have been Chelsea’s answer to Bellingham
long before the Dortmund man even started his professional career.
The Chelsea academy graduate was tipped to light up Chelsea’s midfield, though a number
of injuries have meant Loftus-Cheek hasn't been able to fulfil his potential just yet.
Should we just be patient and see if he can stay fit for a couple of seasons?
In all honesty, there's no harm in having both in a team that is in dire need of a creative
edge. Chelsea aren't exactly renowned for settling on one option when they can have
multiple. Besides, with James acting as an agent while away on international duty, a
move for Bellingham may be closer than we think.
Chelsea fans, such as myself, remain hopeful of bringing Bellingham back to England - we
just hope he decides to join the Blues before another England international lures him away
to their club.