Jurgen Klopp is now personally invested in the signing of Jude Bellingham for Liverpool.
That’s according to Sport Bild, translated by Sport Witness, who claim that the Liverpool boss has ‘targeted’ the 18-year-old as a new signing.
However, the report claims that The Reds ‘stand a better chance’ of affording Bellingham in summer 2023.
Borussia Dortmund’s preference is also reportedly to sell the midfielder next year as they prepare to lose star man Erling Haaland this summer.
But Liverpool aren’t alone in their interest. Real Madrid are claimed to be alternative suitors for Bellingham a year from now.
Any potential sale would smash Liverpool’s current transfer record, though. The Reds will reportedly have to pay ‘well over’ £85m for the former Birmingham City youngster.
All roads lead to Bellingham
It isn’t often that Klopp personally throws his weight behind a potential transfer for Liverpool. The manager is well-known for his rather hands-off approach in the market.
Klopp seemingly prefers to let Michael Edwards and now Julian Ward take the lead on any deals.
However, Bellingham is a special player. Klopp is Liverpool’s trump card and personal input from the 54-year-old would surely be hard to ignore from Jude’s point of view.
Klopp’s close relationship with Dortmund could also grease the wheels a little for this one. The German has never returned to sign a player from his former club. What a time this would be to do it.
Signing one of the top young players in the world would be a huge statement from Liverpool. Bellingham was recently called ‘phenomenal’ by teammate Haaland on the ESPN FC Podcast (30mins 35secs).
One man who would be delighted if Liverpool were able to secure Bellingham is Jamie Carragher.
The Liverpool legend has already given his support to a move for the England man this summer. Asked on Twitter who Liverpool should sign in January, Carragher wrote “Jude Bellingham & the summer window is fine for me!”
It seems that Carra may have to wait an extra year to see Jude in Liverpool red, but I’m sure he won’t mind that!
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