Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Jude Bellingham: Liverpool hopes fade as agent reveals star ‘changes mind’ and has head turned by another club

Jude Bellingham of England looks on during the Uefa Nations League Group 3 football match between Italy and England at San Siro on September 23, 2022 in Milan, Italy

Liverpool have seen their hopes of securing the signing of Jude Bellingham dramatically fade after an intermediary of the player claimed his head has been turned by a European powerhouse.

The England midfielder is a player on the rise with Borussia Dortmund. As a teenager with outstanding potential, Bellingham made an initial £25m move to Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old in summer 2020. Two years on, the 19-year-old is regarded as one of the outstanding midfielders in world football.

He’s been playing in a more advanced role too this season, with that decision seeing the star plunder nine goals and two assists from 20 appearances.

He’s also worn the captain’s armband too, illustrating his growing maturity and authority at BVB.

As such, it’s little wonder to see a hoard of clubs looking to seal Bellingham’s signature.

That chase is seemingly led by Liverpool, with reports on Tuesday claiming the Reds are ‘very confident’ of signing the star.

They’re not the only side in the chase, however. Manchester City and Manchester United are also keen too. However, FFP restrictions look likely to rule Erik ten Hag’s side out the running.

There is also interest from Chelsea too, though our exclusive revealed the Blues have been crossed off Bellingham’s list.

However, there is another big suitor lurking in the shape of Real Madrid.

Los Blancos have signed their share of talented young midfielders in recent years, with Aurelien Tchouameni and Edouardo Camavinga both making the move in recent seasons.

But with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric potentially soon retiring, a space in their side may soon open up.

Jude Bellingham has head turned by Real Madrid

As such, agent Haydn Dodge, who is connected to the Bellingham camp, reckons the reigning European giants are a serious threat to Liverpool’s chances.

“It’s no secret – Jude Bellingham is wanted by Liverpool,” Dodge told Caught Offside. “But even though he fancied the move a little while ago, he’s having some doubts now and that’s because Real Madrid have made him aware of their interest.”

“They have said they view him as part of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos’ replacement. They want Bellingham to make up a midfield three alongside Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. And that is a frightening prospect.”

Dodge added: “He could still go to Liverpool as early as January. But Real Madrid are certainly doing their best to make it difficult for Jurgen Klopp.”

Clearly that now represents an additonal hurdle for Klopp and Co to overcome.

Turning out for Real Madrid is seemingly many a player’s dream. Indeed, the Spanish giants can lay serious claim to being the biggest club in world football.

And while Liverpool have long worked on the transfer, they may now be sweating on his signature more than ever.

Indeed, with Klopp desperately needing new midfielders, he has set his heart on the Bellingham deal.

And despite Bellingham likely to cost up to £130m, it’s a price the Reds are seemingly willing to pay.

However, that has now in serious threat thanks to Real and if Dodge is proved correct.

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