Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool begin chasing ‘new Jude Bellingham’ after club chiefs blown away by performances of dynamic midfielder

Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool seen during a training session before the UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Stade de France in Paris

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool have started to chase the signature of a player dubbed as ‘the new Jude Bellingham’ and have sent scouts to watch him on numerous occasions, according to a report.

Bellingham came through Birmingham’s academy before making his senior debut as a 16-year-old in August 2019. He soon became an important player for Birmingham, going on to make 44 appearances for his boyhood club and scoring four goals.

The central midfielder’s excellent displays for the Blues alerted a host of top sides. Ultimately, it was Borussia Dortmund who won the race to sign him in July 2020.

As per BBC Sport, the transfer had the potential to reach £30million depending on add-ons. At the time, Birmingham were mocked for retiring the shirt of a teenage player (number 22).

But during his time at Dortmund, the Englishman has proved why Birmingham did exactly that. He has already become one of the best midfielders in the world and has captained the German side several times this campaign.

Bellingham is expected to depart Dortmund at the end of the season. They will struggle to keep him amid interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Several sources state that Liverpool is Bellingham’s most likely destination. But it seems the Reds are also going after a player who has followed in Bellingham’s footsteps.

The man in question is George Hall. He is an 18-year-old midfielder who has appeared 18 times in Birmingham’s first team this season.

Liverpool eye Birmingham swoop

Hall did not quite match Bellingham’s record, as his Birmingham debut came when he was 17. But coaches at St Andrew’s believe the all-action England U19 international has massive potential and have subsequently dubbed him ‘the new Bellingham’.

As with Bellingham, the West Midlands outfit will face a tricky test in trying to keep Hall. According to Football Insider, there is growing interest emerging from Liverpool.

They have regularly sent scouts to watch Hall in action over the past few months. And these officials have been blown away by his performances in the Championship.

As such, Liverpool are now debating whether to enter negotiations with Birmingham for Hall. Presumably, they will look to sign him alongside Bellingham, rather than viewing him as an alternative.

Liverpool have a rough idea of how much they will have to pay for Hall. Leeds United’s £3million offer for him was rejected in summer 2022. So Liverpool know they will have to put up more money than this to get Birmingham to agree on a sale.

Liverpool will face Leeds competition for George Hall

Leeds retain an interest in Hall, which means Liverpool will have to fend them off if they are going to take the starlet to Anfield.

Due to Hall’s lack of experience at the top level, he would not immediately solve Liverpool’s midfield problems. That would be Bellingham’s job.

But Hall is developing nicely and he could end up being a regular starter for Liverpool in the future, should they manage to capture him.

And if he reaches his huge potential, then he will be worth a lot more than £3m. As such, the Reds could make a massive profit by buying Hall at a young age and then selling him on in the future.

Meanwhile, a Serie A star is now on Klopp’s mind as he looks to bring in several new midfielders, according to a report.