Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jude Bellingham willing to sign for Liverpool over Man City, Real as long as one major condition is fulfilled

Jude Bellingham, September 2022

Jude Bellingham is still attracted by the prospect of joining Liverpool but his entourage have expressed some reservations about Jurgen Klopp’s long-term future, TEAMtalk understands.

Transfer insider Ben Jacobs provided a positive update on Liverpool’s hunt for Bellingham recently. He told TEAMtalk that Liverpool have put in the most work to try and convince the midfielder to sign for them. This gives them a slight advantage over his other suitors Real Madrid and Manchester City, although those two clubs are most definitely lurking.

Jacobs also moved to quash any concerns Liverpool supporters might have about not getting Champions League football and this impacting their chase for Bellingham. The journalist believes Klopp’s side should be able to ‘get away with it’ as long as they can convince Bellingham on the long-term plan, which will certainly involve them qualifying for the UCL in future campaigns.

TEAMtalk can now provide another exclusive update on Bellingham’s situation. The 19-year-old is enamoured by the prospect of joining Liverpool, but his camp want assurances Klopp will remain Reds boss for the long run before they sign anything.

The prospect of playing under Klopp is one of the major draws for the England international. So if the manager leaves or is sacked, Bellingham will have a big decision to make about Liverpool being the right club for him.

TEAMtalk has also been told that part of Manchester City’s push for the player is their insistence that he will be working under Pep Guardiola. They are aware of Bellingham’s concern regarding Klopp and are attempting to prevent problems of their own when it comes to Guardiola.

It is understood Chelsea are likely to try and sign the teenager ahead of Liverpool, Real and City. However, Bellingham does not see Chelsea as a viable option as things stand.

Jurgen Klopp reacts to transfer questions

Klopp is regularly asked about the Liverpool midfield overhaul which is expected this summer, and in particular whether Bellingham will arrive at the club.

He refused to speak about Bellingham during a media appearance on Saturday, although he did state that Liverpool ‘have to’ sign players at the end of the season. He added that club chiefs are ‘in constant talks’ over potential new arrivals.

Meanwhile, there has been an update on Liverpool potentially landing a Bundesliga sporting director to replace Julian Ward.