PREMIER LEAGUE giants Chelsea and West Ham are believed to be keen on bringing Matthew Bondswell back to England.
The Three Lions U18 star moved to RB Leipzig in 2018 after coming through the ranks at Nottingham Forest.
RB Leipzig’s English defender Matthew Bondswell has become a target for Chelsea and West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Former Nottingham Forest trainee Bondswell left his boyhood club to join the German sideCredit: Nottingham Forest
Instead of signing a pro-deal with his boyhood club, he decided to embark on a new challenge in search for first-team football in Germany – reportedly snubbing a move to Manchester United.
And this season, during a loan spell with second division Dutch side FC Dordrecht, the 18-year-old left-back has shown why he’s so highly-rated.
However, he could’ve been competing in a different sport if his football career hadn’t blossomed.
ATHLETICS WAS HIS CALLING
Naturally fit, Bondswell was a whiz at athletics at West Bridgford School.
He won two gold medals at the Midlands Schools County Championships, and followed that up with gold at the English School’s National Athletics Championships in Gateshead in 2016.
An all-round athlete, when he participated in the Junior Boys triple jump he leapt a massive 12.93m to become British Junior Champion.
Bondswell also represented Nottinghamshire Schools at the 200m.
But it was football, in which he has represented England at Under 15, 16, 17 and 18s level, that was his biggest passion.
Bondswell could have become a professional track and field star and was a British Junior Champion in the triple jump at 15Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
Blessed with pace, Bondswell is a natural athleteCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
FOREST AS A BOY
Before he showed prowess in track and field, Bondswell was already on Nottingham Forest’s books.
He joined the Championship side at the age of eight and quickly progressed through the ranks.
The defender impressed rival coaches too, and was said to have been a target for Manchester United and Liverpool at 15.
However, with a heavy heart, Bondswell made the gamble to sign a professional contract with RB Leipzig in 2018 – buoyed by the likes of Jadon Sancho and Ademola Lookman’s progress overseas.
In 2018, Bondswell snubbed Manchester United and Liverpool to move to RB LeipzigCredit: Instagram @mattbondswell
Bondswell has since been loaned to FC Dordrecht where he is gaining valuable first team experience Credit: Instagram @mattbondswell
A BRIT ABROAD
Bondswell is yet to make his debut for Leipzig, but has enjoyed success at U16 and U17 level with the club.
Understanding his need for first team football, he was sent on a season-long loan to FC Dordrecht, who play in the second tier of the Dutch league.
He made his professional debut back in August against Go Ahead Eagles in a 0-0 draw, and has now played seven games in all competitions.
Leipzig’s initial plan was to send Bondswell out on loan, and then bring him back next season to fight it out for a first team spot, should he impress.
However, now they could be in for a nice pay day – if they want to sell him, of course.
Promising left-back Bondswell has a bright future in the gameCredit: Rex Features
Bondswell has been capped at various England youth levelsCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
