Insiders at Borussia Dortmund are now starting to think that reported Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham will leave the club.
That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim that ‘chiefs’ at the German club have become ‘pessimistic’ about keeping the midfielder.
There had been reports that Dortmund were still hopeful of retaining Bellingham. The Mail even claim that the Black and Yellows will offer their star man an improved contract in order to convince him to stay.
Unfortunately for them though, the 19-year-old is claimed to be ‘widely expected’ to depart.
Of course, Liverpool are one of the clubs reported as being in the mix. However, it seems that the momentum is currently with Real Madrid. The Spanish giants are said to be ‘trying to beat’ all of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United to Bellingham.
Liverpool losing ground but still in the race
It wasn’t all that long ago that it felt like Liverpool were leading the race to sign Bellingham. But it was always going to be a difficult battle.
Madrid seem to be very serious about bringing in the England man as a potential successor to Luka Modric.
As Liverpool found out this summer in their pursuit of Aurelien Tchouameni, when Madrid get serious, they usually get their way.
That doesn’t mean anything is a done deal, though. Bellingham appears to be a grounded young man with a good head on his shoulders and a good support system.
Wherever he moves next summer, you feel it will be because that club is the best fit, not because of any riches on offer.
In that respect, it would be unwise to rule Liverpool out just yet. The Reds are desperate for a top-level midfielder and Bellingham fits the bill completely.
The fee involved is going to be gigantic, but if you want the very best players, then you have to pay the big money. And one the very best he certainly is. As per Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Bellingham was called ‘special’ by none other than Pep Guardiola earlier this week.
As Dortmund finally accept that they can’t keep hold of Bellingham, perhaps Liverpool can use the relationship between the clubs as leverage. Not only do they share a mutual love of Jurgen Klopp, but there is an affinity between the supporters and their working-class roots. Don’t rule the Reds out just yet.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
