Liverpool have reportedly made Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham their top transfer target next summer.
The central midfielder, 19, has enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign with England, registering a goal and an assist in five games. He played a crucial role in helping Gareth Southgate’s team produce a comprehensive 3-0 win over Senegal in the Round of 16, and following his eye-catching performances in the showpiece event, the teenage sensation’s price tag has skyrocketed.
According to Sky Germany, Liverpool have joined a host of elite European clubs for the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the England international and wants to bring him to Anfield in the summer of 2023.
One of the hotly coveted young talents in European football, Bellingham boosted his already high stocks with an assured and commanding World Cup and Borussia Dortmund are bracing themselves for offers next year. The midfielder, who has a contract with Dortmund until the summer of 2025, is likely to cost more than £100m in transfer fees, with clubs such as Man City and Real Madrid also on his trail, the report adds.
With Liverpool having made Jude Bellingham their top midfield priority again after an agreement was ‘almost reached‘ last summer, here is how they could line up next season with the England star in the team.
Predicted Liverpool XI with Jude Bellingham in it (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker is Liverpool’s undisputed No.1 and that is unlikely to change next season.
Defence
Virgil van Dijk is the defensive lynchpin and one of the trusted members of Jurgen Klopp’s side. He is a certainty to start and will partner Ibrahima Konate in central defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson may have suffered a slight dip in form this season but they have been a vital part of the Reds’ success under Jurgen Klopp. Thus, the German manager is likely to stick with Alexander-Arnold and Robertson at right-back and left-back, respectively, although expect Calvin Ramsay and Kostas Tsimikas to push the duo next term.
Midfield
The midfield unit is in serious need of a shake-up, with Klopp having made Jude Bellingham his no.1 transfer target. The race to sign Bellingham is hotting up, and while it is not yet a done deal, the England star would indeed be a superb signing for the midfield.
With Fabinho operating in the No.6 role, Bellingham would operate as a box-to-box midfielder alongside Thiago Alcantara, who when fit, makes the Reds tick. In fact, Bellingham could grow under Thiago’s wings and eventually replace the Spaniard in the long run if Liverpool do manage to get his signature.
Attack
Moving on to the attack, Mohamed Salah, having signed a bumper contract earlier this year, is a certainty to start on the right flank. Darwin Nunez has now become a regular starter after a slow initiation to life at Anfield and will lead the attack.
Luis Diaz made the left-wing berth his own before getting injured in October and should keep his place in Klopp’s XI.
If Liverpool renew Roberto Firmino’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, the Brazilian will be an attacking option alongside Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliot and Fabio Carvalho.