Liverpool give up on Jude Bellingham chase, reports suggest
The England midfielder has been top of Liverpool fans’ transfer wishlist, but the club has decided to turn its attention to other options.
Liverpool are set to embark on a major overhaul of the midfield, but may have to do so without the talents of Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.
The Times reports that the Merseyside club have decided to concentrate on other targets to ensure that they are able to bolster their squad. Bellingham is expected to cost well in excess of £100 million and the Anfield hierarchy is reluctant to pour all its resources into a prolonged chase.
Bellingham, one of the most promising young midfielders in the world, is thought to be interested in a move away from Borussia Dortmund this summer, but with a contract until 2025 the German club is under no pressure to sell this summer.
In addition to his contractual status, there are a number of other elite clubs jostling with Liverpool for pole position in the pursuit. Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have both expressed an interest, but it is Manchester City and Real Madrid who currently seem like his most likely destinations.
With so many top sides willing to spend big on Bellingham, Liverpool are weary of being drawn into a months-long transfer saga during such a crucial recruitment window for the club.
Which midfielders are Liverpool targeting?
Liverpool’s disappointing 2022/23 campaign has been characterised by a sense that Jurgen Klopp’s squad, particularly the midfield, is aging at the same time. In the past 18 months the club has signed Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo to rejuvenate the forward line and there is an acceptance that more spending is required to keep the team competitive.
“We will spend in the summer — for who and how many, there is nothing to say,” Klopp confirmed during the international break.
“Whatever we do next year will never be enough from people’s point of view and [the media’s] point of view,” he added. “But, yes, with smart recruitment we will improve, definitely. That is the plan.”
It is thought that Liverpool are in the market for at least two top midfielders and a number of names have been forwarded.
Chelsea’s English duo Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher may find themselves surplus to requirements after the club’s recent transfer splurge and could be tempted by an Anfield switch. Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion have both attracted attention from Champions League clubs after their form this season, while Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans could be an attractive option on a free transfer.