Manchester City and Real Madrid are ahead of Liverpool in the race for teenage midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham is currently one of the world’s most sought-after players. This season, he has shone for Borussia Dortmund, netting ten and assisting five in all competitions. This makes him the club’s top goalscorer, and has helped them to the top of the Bundesliga.
Additionally, the youngster has impressed on the international stage. He started all five of England’s games at the World Cup, scoring once and assisting once.
The majority of Europe’s top clubs have been linked with a move for the former Birmingham City man. However, Borussia Dortmund are under little pressure to sell, with his contract not expiring until 2025.
One of the most closely rumoured clubs has been Liverpool. The Reds are in need of reinforcements in midfield, and manager Jurgen Klopp is a known admirer of the 19-year-old.
But the Merseyside outfit may find it difficult to strike a deal for Bellingham. According to The Athletic, they have fallen behind the likes of Man City and Real Madrid in the race for the midfielder.
Liverpool’s season has not gone as hoped, and they have almost no chance of adding another major trophy to their cabinet. Meanwhile, they sit in sixth place, seven points off the top four.
Should they miss out on a Champions League spot, it will limit their appeal and financial capabilities in the transfer market. Consequently, they may be unable to attract a player of Bellingham’s quality to Anfield.
A new central midfielder ought to be the priority for the 19-time English champions. Thiago, James Milner, and Jordan Henderson are on the wrong side of 30, while Naby Keita and Arthur Melo are not expected to be around next season.
Man City suffer from similar problems. The futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva are currently unclear, and Kevin De Bruyne turns 32 in the summer.
As for Real Madrid, they already own some of the world’s finest young midfielders in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga. However, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos both approaching the end of their careers, a new option would be welcome.
