Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has allegedly held a meeting with FSG president Mike Gordon to discuss a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
That’s according to Sport Bild, who report the pair agreed the 19-year-old needs to be the Reds’ number one transfer target next summer, and that they’re willing to make him the club’s record signing with offers around £86m.
It is no surprise to hear Liverpool being linked with the England international again, as the vast majority of the club’s recent rumours have involved the former Birmingham City man in one way or another.
The Merseyside outfit were crying out for an overhaul of their midfield this summer, with the club eventually bringing in Arthur Melo on deadline day on a season-long loan.
However, just months into his Kirkby career, the Brazilian sustained a serious injury likely to keep him out of action until early 2023.
Liverpool still plotting to sign Bellingham
According to Sport Bild’s report, Klopp recently took matters into his own hands and organised a meeting with Gordon, an FSG chief, to discuss the possibility of signing Bellingham.
This also comes as little to no surprise given the state of Liverpool’s midfield at the moment. Besides Thiago, who the team are heavily reliant on to continually spray balls across the pitch as they look to create chances, the Reds have looked lethargic and off the pace in the middle of the park this season.
James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all out of contract in the summer, and the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have struggled athletically at points this term, with a noticeable decline in their speed and agility.
Whilst Thiago is currently a mainstay in Klopp’s XI, he is also 31 years old. Therefore, despite his incredible contributions to the side right now, Liverpool will need to prepare for life after the Spaniard.
As a result, a marquee signing in the midfield is very much needed – and Bellingham could truly be the perfect candidate.
At just 19 years old, the Dortmund star has over a decade left to flourish at the top level of football, having already made 109 appearances for the Bundesliga giants.
With the ability to play as either a number ten, an eight, or as a six, Bellingham’s versatility would provide the foundation to build upon for years to come.
Having been labelled as ‘special’ by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, Reds legend Steven Gerrard has also been revealed as a huge admirer of the youngster.
As one of Bellingham’s heroes, Liverpool will be doing all they can to exploit the two’s connection as they look to lure him to Anfield next summer.
However, with the likes of Real Madrid extremely keen on securing his services, this will be no easy task for the Reds to pull off.
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