Signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund is now Liverpool’s ‘deal to lose’ in this summer’s market.
That’s according to a report in The Athletic this morning. They cite ‘some involved’ in the race to lure Bellingham away from Dortmund as being very confident of Liverpool’s chances.
A big part of this is reportedly down to manager Jurgen Klopp. Not only is Klopp said to have been ‘impressed’ by the 19-year-old, Bellingham himself is also claimed to be a ‘huge admirer’ of the German.
Furthermore, Klopp’s relationship with Borussia Dortmund could reportedly be another ‘potential advantage.’ With sporting director Julian Ward stepping away from his duties, the 55-year-old’s role in bringing Bellingham to Anfield is said to be ‘crucial.’
However, it isn’t all rosy. Despite the confidence that Liverpool are very much leading the way, there are some words of caution. The money needed to sign Bellingham as well as the Reds’ current poor form are described as being potential ‘barriers’ to any deal.
Despite that, it’s claimed that with midfield recruits needed, Klopp would rather spend big on Bellingham, than sign two players for the same fee.
Liverpool relying on Jurgen to work his charm
This is a nice little update from the ever reliable David Ornstein this morning. However, in reality, it doesn’t tell us too much that we don’t already know.
It’s already clear that Liverpool are well in the race for Bellingham. They’ve been targeting him for pretty much two years now. Without the riches of the other clubs in the conversation, it was always likely that Klopp would be a huge deciding factor.
Unfortunately, Liverpool’s form has unexpectedly taken a nose-dive in the intervening period of time. Had the sticking point for the England man only been money, it could perhaps be worked out more easily.
The direction that a club is heading in is a much more difficult thing to quantify. If Bellingham was watching Liverpool get destroyed by Real Madrid on Tuesday, more doubts may have started to creep in.
Thankfully for the Reds, that’s where Jurgen comes in. While other clubs may boast better results of late, none can promise their manager will be around to for the next three years at least. Perhaps you’d argue that Manchester City can, too. But who’s to say what Pep Guardiola will do if the Premier League’s allegations against them are followed up on.
So, if Liverpool are leading the way – and it seems they are – Klopp is a huge part of the reason why. Hopefully the money is put aside and the ‘incredible’ Bellingham can see through the poor performances this season. One last push, Reds, the race is almost over.