Klopp told three signings Liverpool need as Dortmund chief drops major claim on Jude Bellingham transfer
Liverpool have been given a significant update on the future of Jude Bellingham, with the midfielder identified as one of three major signings the club need to pursue this summer.
The Reds appear to have found their mojo once again after a difficult season so far. Indeed, having mauled Manchester United 7-0, there is a feeling that Liverpool are finally firing on all cylinders once again.
And they can still rescue their season by finishing in the top four and booking another place in the Champions League.
However, their trophy hopes for the season appear remote at best. They have already surrendered their grip on the Carabao and FA Cups they won last season. And their prospects of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals rest on overturning a 5-2 first-leg deficit to reigning champions Real Madrid.
The win over United at Anfield will at least give Liverpool a little bit more belief…
However, there is a widespread acceptance that Liverpool will need to spend big this summer to elevate themselves back into title contention next season.
Their struggles this season, particularly in midfield, have been there for all to see.
As such, the Reds are firmly in the race to sign England midfielder Bellingham. The teenager is one of the most sought-after players in the world game and will likely carry a fee in excess of £100m this summer.
And while Manchester United, Man City and Real Madrid are also in the running, Liverpool appear to be leading the charge.
Major update on Liverpool target Jude Bellingham
The teenager will be given another chance to showcase his abilities on Tuesday night when they look to reach the Champions League quarter-finals at Chelsea’s expense.
Looking to protect a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, BVB will be hoping for a big display from Bellingham in order to progress.
Dortmund, for their part, have now provided an update on the midfielder’s future.
And head coach Edin Terzic insists that discussions on his potential exit will be held in the summer.
“With all the respect for Jude and his performance, we have been answering this question since he joined,” he said. “He chose to join us because he knows this can be the perfect step for him and I think we’ve proven that both ways.
“He’s helping us a lot. But I also think we, as a club, are helping him and his career as well.”
Terzic added: “We’re really happy and delighted that he’s part of our team. He’s one of our leaders aged 19 and he stepped through to the English national team as our player. This is something we’re really happy with.
“That’s going to be a topic for his future. But our future now is that we’re going to face a really good opponent in Chelsea FC and so we will need him in a good way.”
The indication that Dortmund are certainly open to his sale will no doubt come as good news for Liverpool.
McManaman claims Liverpool need three signings
With Bellingham very much on their wanted list, Liverpool great Steve McManaman claims Jurgen Klopp needs three signings this summer.
And alongside the potential addition of Bellingham in midfield, he wants the Reds to add two more players to go with him.
He told Betfair: “They’ve brought Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in, so in the forward positions they seem to be fine. They have six players up front, [or five with Roberto Firmino set to leave].
“In the midfield, they’re going to need to bring in a couple of new additions. Naby Keita’s contract is expiring, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contract is expiring, so that area will definitely need strengthening.
“Stefan Bajcetic, Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones are there. But they’re still not at the heights of a Champions League-winning side because they’re still fairly inexperienced.”
Suggesting what Klopp will do in the summer window, McManaman added: “I can see two midfielders and one defender coming in this summer. And that’s not only because of the injuries that Liverpool have faced in those areas in recent times.
“It’s something they’re going to have to study to see if it’s a widespread problem. Weve had Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip out at times this year. So that’s an area where you might have to bring somebody in.
“I don’t know if it’s because of the World Cup or it’s due to some players having a truncated season, but it’s something that Liverpool are going to have to look at.”
