Liverpool are trying to find out whether transfer target Jude Bellingham has a release clause in his contract.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who claim that Liverpool are currently ‘leading the race’ to sign the Borussia Dortmund man.
However, it’s reportedly still unclear if they’d be able to snare him for a set-fee. Bellingham signed a new contract with his club last year, and ‘clubs’, presumably including Liverpool, are trying to find out the details of that deal.
Release clause or no release clause, Dortmund are said to be ‘braced’ for a big attempt from Liverpool next summer regardless.
Liverpool position themselves in Bellingham race
Bellingham underlined once again just what a good player he is with a goal at the Etihad last night. Prior to the game against Manchester City, the England man had insisted that he is happy at Dortmund. But with almost a full year until the summer window, the speculation has already been ramped up.
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That speculation now looks certain to include Liverpool. The Reds are known long-term admirers of the 19-year-old and are desperate to bolster their midfield.
If Liverpool do manage to uncover a release clause for Bellingham, it could make life a little easier for them.
Of course, that would also mean an advantage for other clubs chasing the teenager, too. At the moment, Real Madrid seem to be Liverpool’s most serious challengers for the midfielder.
But both Manchester clubs have also been touted as being immensley interested. With Liverpool likely unable to match the wages on offer at either club, they may be relying on Bellingham’s interest in the Anfield project.
Without any release clause, that’s likely to be the case anyway. But if Dortmund have inserted a buyout worth less than the reported £103m they value him at, then maybe Liverpool could afford to hike the wages a little more.
One thing’s for sure; this story isn’t going anywhere at all. As Erling Haaland once said via ESPN FC, Bellingham is a ‘phenomenal’ talent.
He’s going to be some signing for whoever he ends up joining. For now though, he’s a Dortmund player. They reportedly want to keep him, too. The Reds are in the mix. What a race this could be.