‘Out their minds’ Liverpool warned Jude Bellingham transfer is off as legend advises Klopp move for two alternatives
Liverpool are facing the prospect of their biggest transfer disappointment in years after a club legend advised them to procede with caution over Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is arguably the world’s most in-demand footballer right now. His performances for club and country have established the 19-year-old as one of the finest in the game – and he comes with a price tag to match that.
Indeed, despite BVB likely to command a fee well in excess of £100m, Bellingham is not short on suitors. And with the Bundesliga side potentially looking to extend his deal that ties him to a bumper exit clause, he could depart for an even loftier fee.
That said, the chase for Bellingham remains strong. The charge is being led by Liverpool, while interest is also there from Manchester City and Manchester United. Real Madrid cannot be discounted either, given their admiration too for the teenager.
But many see the transfer as Liverpool’s to lose. Reports claim Jurgen Klopp has already claimed a key upper hand by offering a job at the club to Bellingham’s father, Mark.
And there is a general feeling among fans alike that Bellingham will be convinced to move to Anfield this summer.
To that end, transfer expert Ben Jacobs has exclusively revealed the Reds’ key advantage in the race to sign him.
However, there remains some strong words of caution. Rio Ferdinand, for example, warns Liverpool could wreck their chances by missing out on the Champions League.
And now it seems another Reds legend in Phil Thompson also fears Liverpool face major disappointment.
Phil Thompson fears Jude Bellingham transfer to Liverpool will fail
He claims that a large majority of Liverpool supporters still think Bellingham will wind up at Anfield.
However, speaking to American radio station Sirius XM FC, Thompson is warning them to be wary of a major transfer disappointment.
“All Liverpool fans, everybody, thinks that Jude Bellingham is going to sign and I’ve tried to tell a number of people,” Thompson said.
“I do Q and A’s at Anfield and you ask 50 people in the room ‘who thinks Jude Bellingham is coming to Liverpool?’ and 48 of them will put their hands up.
“But you’ve got to get it out your minds. This could be the biggest let down for all Liverpool fans that this is [happening].
“[They think] Because he is mates with Trent [Alexander-Arnold], because he is mates with Jordan Henderson, people think it’s going to happen.”
Thompson, though, Liverpool should not be too despondent at missing out and is urging Klopp to consider a Plan B.
A number of names have been suggested this week alone. And the likes of Stanislav Lobotka or Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are other names reportedly in the frame. Meanwhile, reports are also indicating Klopp could gamble on Renato Sanches.
Liverpool urged to move for two Bellingham England teammates
However, Thompson wants Liverpool to look closer to home and instead move for West Ham star Declan Rice.
The former Liverpool player and assistant manager is also endorsing a potential move for Mason Mount. And he reckons the Chelsea man could add a missing vital ingredient to the side.
“We need that sort of player,” Thompson added.
“But [if he doesn’t sign], we can then put that money to Declan Rice. Whether he would come from London or not, I don’t know.
“He would be another one [to target]. But we don’t just need one. We need a couple of players. There’s been talk of Mason Mount. Yes. He’s 25, 26. He’s creative and he gives you goals from midfield which we’ve lacked.”
He concluded with a blunt message, simply warning: “That area does need refreshing.”
West Ham are likely to command a £100m fee for Rice, despite his deal running out in summer 2024.
It’s a similar story for Mount, who is also in the final 15 months of his Chelsea deal.
The Blues will likely look to sell their academy star this summer if an extension cannot soon be agreed. And that could present Liverpool with a chance to snare his £40m signing.
