Liverpool have begun talks with midfielder Jude Bellingham over a move to Anfield next summer.
The Reds have long been linked with a sensational plot to sign the Borussia Dortmund man. And now, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Liverpool have ‘made contact’ with the player himself.
“Nothing has changed for Bellingham deal. Liverpool consider him the main target, contact already started — but Real Madrid, Manchester City and also Chelsea remain in the race. Nothing will be decided now,” wrote Romano. “Borussia Dortmund will only negotiate on price in 2023.”
Wherever he ends up, Bellingham’s transfer promises to be one of the biggest of recent years. Good to hear the Reds being proactive in their approach.
Liverpool working hard to secure Bellingham
Liverpool seem to have already put in a significant amount of work in making sure they tie down their top target. But up until now, rumours of any direct contact being made have been denied.
Romano’s update isn’t categorical proof that that is no longer the case. The transfer expert is usually right on the money, though.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether Liverpool’s competition for Bellingham have also opened a dialogue with him.
Throughout the race to sign the 19-year-old though, the Reds have often been touted as the front-runners. If they are the first to begin talks with him, this would fit that narrative.
Still, the main sticking point in this deal is always going to be on the price. Liverpool can negotiate with Bellingham until the cows come home, but they’re still going to have to almost double their transfer record to get any firther.
Latest reports put Dortmund’s asking price at somewhere close to £130m. For any of the sides being mentioned, that’s going to be a record deal.
Unlike the other three suitors though, Liverpool simply cannot afford to get this wrong. That kind of fee would likely blow their whole budget, and then some.
But if they can get Bellingham on side, then perhaps there’s still some wiggle room to be had.
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