Liverpool have ‘built such a strong case’ for signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham already, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The highly-rated 19-year-old is believed to be on the radar of several top clubs from across the continent and could depart the Signal Iduna Park as early as next summer.
What is the latest news involving Bellingham?
James Pearce of The Athletic has reported that Liverpool are ‘very interested’ in enticing Bellingham to Anfield as they look to overhaul their options in the middle of the park.
It’s claimed that Dortmund had no intention of offloading the England international during the previous transfer window, though, after they already sold Erling Haaland to Manchester City.
However, Pearce claims there will be ‘serious competition for Bellingham’s signature’ in the summer of 2023 when Europe’s elite go head-to-head for him.
The likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea have also been listed as potential suitors for the 6 foot 1 ace, who is believed to have a price tag of £103 million.
Bellingham still has three years remaining on his current contract with Dortmund, but the Bundesliga giants have a history of selling their top stars and could be willing to do business in the near future.
What has Jones said about Bellingham?
Jones believes Liverpool have ‘got to aim high’ in the transfer market and would be shocked to see them move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo over Bellingham.
He told GiveMeSport: “The thing with Liverpool is they've got to aim high in the transfer market and in Bellingham, they see one of the very best young midfielders in world football.
“They've built such a strong case for signing him already. They've tracked him since his Birmingham days, it would be a surprise for me to see them sign Caicedo instead of him.”
Would Bellingham be a good signing?
Liverpool have experienced problems with their midfield in the early stages of this season, with manager Jurgen Klopp bringing in Arthur on loan in a last-minute deal due to an injury crisis.
And Bellingham, who has registered 12 goals and 19 assists in 98 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund, claiming one DFB-Pokal along the way, could be the long-term solution.
As per FBref, he has ranked in the 97th percentile for completed dribbles, 96th for touches in the attacking penalty area, 95th for progressive passes received, 92nd for shot-creating actions, 90th for total shots, and 84th for progressive carries amongst his positional peers over the last year.
Signing Bellingham would be a significant coup for Liverpool, and may help them stay competitive at the highest level for years to come.