Journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft has suggested Liverpool may have an advantage in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Taking to Twitter, the former professional footballer claimed Jurgen Klopp’s friendship with BVB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke may prove favourable in negotiations for the 19-year-old.
“My take: Dortmund- boss Watzke doesn’t want to sell him to ‘those kind of clubs’. Meaning ‘state-clubs’,” Aage Fjortoft said.
“His mate Klopp is at Liverpool. But Team Bellingham will make their own analysis.”
According to ESPN, the Reds are now ahead in the battle to secure the England international’s signature. Their report claims they lead Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid, who are all desperate to land his services.
Klopp’s relationship with Watzke could be advantageous
Whilst the German has become a legend on Merseyside during his seven-year tenure at the club, he is also considered a hero in Dortmund.
The manager took charge of the Black and Yellow for 318 games, during which he won the Bundesliga title twice and also won the German Super Cup twice, further taking home a German Cup trophy.
With this sort of success seemingly a long way off for the current Dortmund side, everyone at the side thinks very highly of Klopp – for what he achieved with them.
As Aage Fjortoft says, having his friend in charge of operations at the club could prove to be extremely useful when it comes to negotiations for Bellingham.
If Watzke prefers not to deal with the likes of Manchester City again, this could rule them out of the race.
This would leave the Reds alongside Madrid as the favourites.
Although Bellingham’s team will want their say in where he ends up, this could be a huge advantage in Liverpool’s favour.
Dubbed as ‘world class’ by England teammate Kieran Trippier, this could be a huge boost for the Anfield faithful.
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