The reason Jude Bellingham rejected Manchester United is a warning to other youngsters

Jude Bellingham took a risk when he swapped Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund. It is safe to say it certainly paid-off.

Fast forward four years, he is now a superstar for Real Madrid, a starter for England and one of the leading candidates to collect the next Ballon d'Or.

Manchester United fans must still wonder how on earth he got away. Bellingham was given a guided tour of Carrington and met Sir Alex Ferguson as he weighed up his exit from Birmingham City, but instead opted to join Dortmund because of greater assurances he would play and a clearer pathway to the first-team.

Such is the talent of Bellingham, he could quite easily have been the same world-class player had he moved to Old Trafford, though there is also an argument to suggest his progress would have suffered had he joined a dysfunctional club where he wasn't playing quite as often.

The 20-year-old certainly doesn't regret making such a risky move to the Bundesliga and he has advised any fellow youngsters to consider playing abroad if it means getting greater experiences.

“I was at Dortmund for three years, I took a path that’s a bit unfamiliar for players in England,” he told reporters ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Man City. “It’s different but you learn a lot and I take a lot back to the national team.

“But I am grateful for the opportunities I've been given in European football. I think maybe they wouldn’t be as accessible in England. Thanks to my parents and the people around me. I think playing abroad is definitely a good idea for young players and hopefully I’m showing that."