Barcelona tried to sign Real Madrid target ‘four or five years ago’, reveals ex-scout | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham has been one of the finest youngsters performing in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. Through his performances, he has mesmerised onlookers and has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe, with clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City looking out for his services next season.

However, in a recent interview, Bojan Krkic Sr., the father of former Barcelona forward of the same name and an ex-club scout, has revealed that Bellingham could have easily landed in Barcelona four or five years ago, had it not been for the player’s father.

Bojan, who had been a part of the Barça scouting team in the past, said he had met Bellingham’s father in London around “four or five years ago”. But he did not agree to talk with the club.

“I met Bellingham’s father in London, who was from the British secret police. But he didn’t show up. I know he did it to a lot of people,” Bojan told SER Catalunya (h/t Mundo Deportivo), who went on to explain the excuse that was offered to him by Bellingham’s father.

“His excuse with us was because we had signed an Englishman of his age from Aston Villa or West Brom and he said ‘my son won’t sign with Barça because my son can’t play with someone with that limited quality,” he added.

Bellingham’s father was approached by Bojan Krkic Sr. during his early days in Birmingham’s youth system. He was still yet to make his proper breakthrough in the Championship at the time.

The Englishman was snapped up by Borussia Dortmund in 2020, as soon as he made his big breakthrough, despite the best attempts of not only Barcelona but other giants such as Manchester United and Chelsea.

Bellingham’s time at Dortmund, though, could come to an end at the end of the season as European giants flock, including Real Madrid, in for his signature next summer.