Erling Haaland has already told reported Liverpool transfer target Jude Bellingham to join him at Manchester City.
That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs. As part of a lengthy update on the Bellingham saga on Twitter, Jacobs noted that Haaland was trying to convince his former Borussia Dortmund teammate to snub Liverpool for City.
“Manchester City are Liverpool’s most serious rival for Bellingham currently,” wrote the journalist. “Erling Haaland has already told him to join. City haven’t made their move yet but it’s thought they will enter the race.”
Jacobs does however note that Liverpool are still the ‘frontrunners’ to sign the 19-year-old.
He claims that the Reds have put in the most ‘legwork’ in order to convince Bellingham to join them. As a result of this, as well as the presence of both Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson, Liverpool currently lead the way.
Serious contenders are said to be Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid, as well as City. Jacobs also doesn’t rule out the possibility of Bellingham signing a new contract at Dortmund. However, this wouldn’t negate a sale and would reportedly be designed to ensure his club have their £130m asking price met.
Race still wide open for Bellingham
For all of the excitement over Bellingham, plenty of Liverpool fans seem to have forgotten one crucial thing: he hasn’t signed for anyone.
As of right now, he is still very much a Borussia Dortmund player. He is still very much on the market and could end up at any of the clubs mentioned.
Liverpool have made a strong case, we know that already. But, as ever with these transfers, a lot of it will ultimately come down to money.
In those kinds of battles, it isn’t often that the Reds can trump the likes of City and Madrid. Here, they’re going to have to, though.
The presence of Haaland is also a concern. During the World Cup, we’ve seen how Bellingham has become close to both Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But there are City players around the England squad too. More of them in fact. Plus, the teenager’s relationship with Haaland goes back even further. It isn’t as though Bellingham would need much convincing to join City. Let’s just hope that Liverpool’s pitch remains just that little bit stronger.
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