Jude Bellingham has returned to Real Madrid training with a point to prove after a whirlwind 48 hours that saw him both overlooked for England duty and indirectly rejected by one of Europe's top clubs.
The International Snub That Raised Eyebrows
Despite his phenomenal debut season at the Bernabéu, where the 21-year-old midfielder netted 23 goals and provided 12 assists, Bellingham was surprisingly left out of Gareth Southgate's latest England squad. The decision has sparked widespread debate among pundits and fans alike, given the youngster's transformative impact on both Real Madrid and the national team.
Bellingham's absence comes as England prepare for their Nations League opener against the Republic of Ireland, followed by a crucial fixture against Finland. Many expected the Birmingham-born star to be an automatic selection following his record-breaking €103 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
Tuchel's Unexpected Rejection
In another surprising development, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel reportedly vetoed the potential signing of Bellingham before his move to Spain. According to emerging reports, Bayern's hierarchy identified Bellingham as their primary transfer target, only for Tuchel to dismiss the pursuit.
The German coach allegedly informed Bayern's decision-makers that Bellingham "wasn't a pressing need," despite the midfielder being widely regarded as one of world football's most promising talents. This rejection came during the same summer that saw Bellingham become one of the most sought-after properties in European football.
Training Ground Response
Photographs from Real Madrid's Valdebebas training complex show Bellingham attacking his sessions with characteristic intensity. Teammates and coaching staff have noted his focused demeanour as he prepares for Los Blancos' upcoming campaign.
The former Birmingham City academy product appeared in high spirits during training drills, sharing laughs with Brazilian duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes. However, observers noted an extra edge to his performance, suggesting the recent developments have provided additional motivation.
What This Means for England's Euro Defence
Southgate's decision to rest Bellingham raises questions about the midfielder's role in England's European Championship defence. While described as a "precautionary measure" following a hectic club schedule, the timing has raised eyebrows given Bellingham's importance to the Three Lions' midfield structure.
With England's Nations League campaign commencing next month, all eyes will be on how Bellingham responds to this temporary setback and whether his explosive form for Real Madrid translates to the international stage when he returns to the fold.
As the football world digests these developments, one thing remains clear: Jude Bellingham continues to be at the centre of football's biggest conversations, both on and off the pitch.
