When Borussia Dortmund plays Chelsea in the Champions League this week, Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic remarked on Monday that his team might ignore rumours that Jude Bellingham is quitting.
After moving from Birmingham to Dortmund in 2020, Bellingham has established herself as one of Europe's most promising young talents.
The 19-year-old made an impression for England at the 2014 World Cup and led Dortmund to 10 straight victories across all competitions.
Yet, Bellingham's rapid ascent has fueled rumours that he will depart the German club at the end of this campaign. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea are among the reported candidates for his new team.
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Terzic told reporters before speaking with the Blues on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge, "With due respect for Jude and his performance, we are answering these types of questions since he arrived.
"He had offers to join the Premier League before he decided to join us. Top-tier clubs showed a ton of interest".
But he decided to join us because he believes it will be the best move for him. We've established it both ways. He is of considerable assistance to us. But his career and we as a team are both helped.
Terzic is confident that Bellingham and his team-mates will tune out the transfer commotion when faced with the opportunity to eliminate Chelsea from the Champions League when Dortmund attempt to protect a 1-0 advantage in the second leg.
"We're overjoyed he's joined our team; at only 19, he is one of our leaders. He joined our team and joined the England squad. But we know we need him to play well tomorrow," he added.
"We need him in a positive way because we're going to play a really tough opponent tomorrow, so it will be a topic for his future".
Terzic's team has drawn level on points with Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and taken control of their match against Chelsea due to Bellingham's significant play.
Bellingham's importance to Dortmund is well known to former Liverpool player Emre Can, whose spectacular goal-line clearing from Kalidou Koulibaly preserved Dortmund's advantage in the first leg.
But he urged that the adolescent be allowed time to make the best choice for his future.
Everyone is aware of his potential, and he is a world-class talent. Jude must understand what he is doing for himself, Can be added.
"It's challenging to determine what is best for him. He and his family must make that decision."
