Liverpool get unexpected Bellingham boost as Dortmund eye Man City midfielder as potential replacement
Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as a potential replacement for Liverpool target Jude Bellingham, according to reports.
As a result, City could inadvertently give Liverpool a greater chance of sealing a deal for the England international, although, they are also in the race for the youngster.
Gundogan’s current deal at the Etihad is due to expire at the end of the season, so he would be a cheap, top-quality option for Dortmund this summer.
This is according to Sport1, who claim that talks over a contract extension have stalled between Gundogan and City, so it looks increasingly likely he will leave.
The report adds that the midfielder is on Dortmund’s list of potential replacements for Bellingham, should the Englishman make a sensational switch to the Premier League this summer.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid are all firmly in the race for the 19-year-old, but the Reds are currently thought to be the favourites.
Dortmund will allegedly demand a huge fee of €150m (£132.7m) for Bellingham this summer but may be more willing to sell if they can pen a deal for Gundogan, who played for the German club between 2011 and 2016.
Liverpool get Bellingham boost after Gundogan rumours surface
It’s no secret that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield ahead of next season, with the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho all arguably past their prime and Naby Keita set to depart Anfield this summer.
Bellingham is undoubtedly the German coach’s number one target, but they are looking to bring in other centre-mids too, after being linked with a move for Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch in recent days.
The youngster has proven his quality time and time again in the Bundesliga. Since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, the midfielder has featured 119 times across all competitions, scoring 20 goals and making 24 assists.
Bellingham has also captained the German giants on multiple occasions, showing he has the mentality, leadership attributes and quality to succeed at the highest level.
He was also a key player for England during the World Cup last year, making five appearances under Gareth Southgate, scoring one goal and assisting another.
Gundogan would be an excellent replacement in the short-term for Dortmund, given that he has been a top player for City since joining them from the German giants in 2016.
The Germany international has been a key player in the Cityzen’s recent success, helping them to lift four Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four League Cups so far.
If he does head back to his former club this summer, this could make a Bellingham exit more likely. Indeed, if Liverpool are willing to pay his hefty price tag, they look to be the favourites to pen a deal at the moment.
