Tottenham coach Yaya Toure hopes “the media are careful” with Jude Bellingham following the England star’s brilliant performances at the World Cup.
The midfielder has emerged as arguably England’s best player in Qatar, undoubtedly adding millions to his price tag as top clubs around Europe prepare to try and tempt him away from Borussia Dortmund.
While already regarded as one of the leading young players on the continent, a series of standout performances on the grandest stage will invariably see the 19-year-old’s profile rise even further.
Paris Saint-Germain are the latest club to admit their interest in the former Birmingham City midfielder, while Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid are also believed to be keen.
Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has previously admitted the club cannot afford to “fight financially” in order to keep Bellingham, who is set for crunch talks upon his return to club duty.
Toure, however, has stressed the need to handle his developing situation with care and highlighted Dele Alli’s decline as a warning.
The former Tottenham midfielder played a key role in England’s journey to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals but struggled soon after and is now well out of the international picture playing for Besiktas.
“I hope the media are careful with him because we saw a similar situation a few years ago with Dele Alli, who struggled at times with being presented as a leader for club and country,” Toure wrote in a guest column for The Athletic.
“It’s important for everyone to be protective of Bellingham for his development, because it’s clear he has a bright, bright future with England.”
