Jude Bellingham: Liverpool transfer sensationally back on as Reds ‘retaliate’ against Dortmund with new strategy and star makes one demand
Jude Bellingham going to either Manchester City or Real Madrid this summer is not a formality after all as Liverpool are still in with a shout of landing him after coming up with a new strategy, according to one source.
Bellingham has long been on Liverpool’s radar as they look to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s midfield. Reds scouts have been incredibly impressed by Bellingham’s performances with both Borussia Dortmund and England. At just 19 years of age, he has already established himself as one of the top midfielders in Europe.
On April 11, Liverpool’s hopes of capturing the Bundesliga star were left in tatters. Various sources including The Athletic, The Telegraph and The Guardian revealed how Liverpool had decided against pursuing him.
Liverpool had been put off by Dortmund’s asking price, which is thought to be between £115-135million.
Klopp wants several new players to join this summer, including two or three midfielders and a centre-back. Spending upwards of £100m on Bellingham would prevent the manager from improving other parts of the squad, so Liverpool decided the move was not worth it.
The huge update put City and Real at the front of the queue to sign the highly rated teenager.
However, Liverpool are still in with a shout of completing a massive deal for Bellingham, according to Football Transfers reporter Jacque Talbot.
Writing on Twitter, the journalist sheds more light on Liverpool’s talks to sign Bellingham this summer, while also revealing how the player could move to Anfield next year.
Jude Bellingham to Liverpool still a possibility
According to Talbot, Bellingham told Dortmund he wanted to join Liverpool this summer. As such, the Merseyside outfit submitted an offer worth £85m plus add-ons. They thought it would be accepted due to Bellingham wanting such a move and the fact Dortmund will struggle to get this much next year, when the star will be in the final year of his contract.
However, Dortmund rejected this proposal. They instead want Bellingham to pen a new contract with them which would include an £80m release clause that would activate next summer.
Liverpool have ‘retaliated’ to Dortmund’s rejection by telling the German side they will wait for Bellingham to agree the new contract before pouncing and landing him for £80m in summer 2024.
Bellingham will likely have the opportunity to join either City or Real later this year. However, it seems he is waiting for Liverpool.
Clearly, Liverpool are not at City or Real’s level right now. They are languishing in seventh spot in the Premier League and have also been knocked out of the Champions League, whereas City and Real will come up against each other in the UCL semis.
However, there are a few reasons why Bellingham might choose a Liverpool switch over his other potential suitors. The first is the ability to follow in the footsteps of legendary Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, who is one of his biggest idols.
Bellingham could also be convinced to go to Anfield by Klopp. The manager will do his best to explain how Bellingham will fit into the project and how he wants Liverpool to get back to the top of the Prem table in the next two years.
Another factor to consider is game time. Bellingham does not want his development to stall by having to sit on the bench at his next club.
At Real, there is a possibility this could happen due to the plentiful midfield options at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal.
In contrast, Bellingham would walk straight into the Liverpool side and could therefore become the spearhead for their journey back to the summit of European football.
Bellingham is facing a huge decision as he must choose between three massive clubs, but it is a position players around the world will envy.
Meanwhile, a departing Liverpool man has been given a Prem lifeline amid claims Crystal Palace are keen to sign him.
