
Liverpool
Premier League • England
Liverpool head to Spain in search for Jude Bellingham alternative, as pundit backs Reds to ‘knock on the door’ with proposal

A pundit has tipped Liverpool to launch a move for Barcelona star Gavi, amid their links with Jude Bellingham and hunt for a new midfielder.
Jurgen Klopp is having to deal with several Liverpool midfielders being out with injuries. Some of his options are also in the twilight years of their careers, which brings up the possibility of a big revamp.
The Reds brought in Arthur Melo on a season-long loan from Juventus on transfer deadline day. Juve state Liverpool have the option to capture him permanently next summer, too.
However, Arthur is widely seen as a temporary fix as Liverpool cast their eye towards a younger, more exciting midfielder.
Their top target is thought to be Jude Bellingham. But his great form with Borussia Dortmund in Germany means he is also on the radar of other major European clubs.
Dortmund rate Bellingham incredibly highly and want more than £100million for him. And if other clubs act on their interest in him, then Liverpool could be drawn into a bidding war.
This is something they want to avoid as they cannot spend as much as Real Madrid or Manchester City ever year.
A potential alternative to England international Bellingham is Gavi. Reports put Liverpool on his trail, along with Premier League rivals Manchester United.
He is in the final 12 months of his Barcelona contract, which has got United and Liverpool licking their lips.
Pundit backs Liverpool to make Gavi move
Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell reckons Klopp’s side could go after Gavi, which would effectively end their pursuit of Bellingham.
During an interview with Football Insider, Campbell said: “Gavi is a really good young player.
“He is technically gifted and knows where the back of the net is. If he comes onto the market there will be quite a few clubs coveting him.
‘He is a brilliant player and is one who would definitely improve that Liverpool team. He could be at the club for five to 10 years as well.
“I would expect Liverpool to be knocking on the door if he was to become available.”
Despite Liverpool’s links with Gavi, and Campbell’s glowing praise, there is a big reason why a switch to Anfield might not take place.
According to an update from Mundo Deportivo earlier today (Friday), the Spaniard is ‘on the verge’ of agreeing a new Barca contract.
Gavi is just waiting for Barca to organise the contract signing. Then he will pledge his long-term future to the club.
His new terms will last until June 2026. And his release clause will rise from £86.8million (€100m) to £868m (€1bn).
Of course, Barca never normally stick to the release clauses when selling their players. It is just a strategy to prevent their most valuable assets from leaving on the cheap.
However, his potential fresh terms mean it will cost Liverpool a hefty sum to complete a raid on Barca.
It seems their hopes of landing a midfield starlet for a relatively affordable price lay away from Bellingham and Gavi.
Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino believes new Liverpool teammate Fabio Carvalho is a ‘star’ in the making, explaining how he can benefit the club.