Liverpool are one of the frontrunners to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the next summer transfer window according to a report by Mirror.
The 18-year-old English midfielder has been drawing attention from the top European clubs after an impressive 2020/21 season in which he netted four goals and assisted in four in 45 appearances across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham has carried his good form into this season and has improved his goal involvement. In the ongoing season, Bellingham has already scored three goals and assisted in nine others. His good show has seen him make a breakthrough in England’s senior team with the player already representing the Three Lions 10 times.
Jude Bellingham signed a fresh contract with Dortmund in June 2021 which should keep him at the club till June 2025. His market value is believed to be around £90m which although a steep amount, should not deter interested English clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United along with a Klopp-led Liverpool.
Bellingham is primarily a central defensive midfielder but his versatility and strength make him an alluring prospect. He can act as a right winger, and a central attacking midfielder. If need be he can also move to the left.
Should Liverpool manage to sign Bellingham he could be yet another step for the club to freshen up an ageing midfield and attack.
Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane are both 29. Diogo Jota is 25. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is 31. Fabinho is 28. Naby is Keïta is 26. Thiago is 30. Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain is 28. James Milner is 35. Minamino is 26. These players feature regularly in Liverpool’s midfield. The age profile suggests that Liverpool should be looking to blood youngsters, who in a few seasons can carry the mantel ahead.
If Jude Bellingham does arrive at Anfield next summer then he could gel well with the likes of Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones. The three are English and fall in a similar age bracket. Jones and Elliot have started getting more game time and they could thrive in an environment which is conducive to all three of their playing styles.
Who will he replace in the team?
Chamberlain, Keïta and Milner are three players in Liverpool’s current squad for whom Jude Bellingham can act as an ideal replacement.
Chamberlain has had a start-stop career at Anfield. Ever since his move from Arsenal to Liverpool, the 28-year-old has struggled with injuries. Chamberlain’s age and fitness issues suggest that Liverpool need fresh pair of legs in central midfield, an area where Bellingham makes his presence felt.
Keïta is another central midfielder who often finds himself out of action due to injuries.
Chamberlain and Keïta have their current deal running till 2023. In six months both these players will enter the final year of their contract. So Liverpool could off-load either one or both of them to make space for young players.
James Milner is already in the sunset years of his career. His contract is expiring in June 2022. Liverpool have their plate full with the club looking to sign fresh deals with Mane and Salah, the two most prolific goal scorers for the club. It looks like a remote possibility for Milner to get a new deal with the club and his likely departure next summer should not come as a surprise.
Bellingham can replace either of these three players and present a younger and fitter option who could be the club’s future.