Explained: Why PSG turned down the chance to sign Jude Bellingham before his €103m Real Madrid transfer

The England international midfielder became one of the most sought-after assets in the summer transfer window after it emerged that Borussia Dortmund would be open to doing business at the right price. Bellingham was linked with leading sides across Europe before ending up at Santiago Bernabeu.

The talented 20-year-old has made a stunning impact in Spanish football, netting five goals through four La Liga appearances, with Real seeing an immediate return on their investment. PSG may now be regretting their decision not to push for Bellingham’s signature.

According to Le Parisien, the reigning Ligue 1 champions opted against making a play for Bellingham last year when approached by his entourage, as they preferred to place their trust in the potential of 17-year-old academy graduate Warren Zaire-Emery – who took in 31 senior appearances for the club last season.

PSG believe that Zaire-Emery can become a player of Bellingham’s calibre, meaning that they had no need to splash out a nine-figure sum on another option in the same area of the field. The highly-rated teenager has started all five of PSG’s games this season, while also becoming the youngest player in 30 years to represent the France Under-21 side.