Jude Bellingham latest: Liverpool urged to push through ‘hell of a signing’ as Bayern Munich chief outlines transfer intentions
Liverpool’s prospects of signing Jude Bellingham in 2023 have received a boost with Bayern Munich making clear their intentions for the talented young midfielder.
The teenage midfielder finds himself one of the most in-demand stars in world football. Since signing for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 in an initial £25m deal, his value has increased dramatically following a series of standout performances. And despite being still only 19, Bellingham is likely to become one of the world’s most costly teenage stars should a move go through in 2023.
He served to underline his qualities with another stand-out performance on Wednesday evening. Taking the Dortmund armband, he scored, assisted and was named Man of the Match as they recorded a resounding 4-1 Champions League win at Sevilla. The goal takes the midfielder’s tally to four in 12 so far this season.
Indeed, reports claim Dortmund could look to claim anything up to £130m (€150m) were they to sell Bellingham next year. And while they could sell for nearer £83m (€95m) that would require his potential buyers to stump up the cash up front.
All the same, he remains right at the very top of Liverpool’s wanted list.
Jurgen Klopp is desperate to strengthen his midfield options in 2023, with at least two options departing next year. Indeed, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will depart as free agents, with the Guinean seemingly making his intentions resoundingly clear.
The Reds, though, are not alone in their pursuit for Bellingham. Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United all have greater financial resources to beat Liverpool to his signature.
Bayern Munich have no plans to sign Jude Bellingham
There is also speculation of interest from elsewhere in Europe. Links to Real Madrid are well documented amid claims Carlo Ancelotti sees Bellingham as a long-term replacement for Toni Kroos.
Bayern Munich have also been fleetingly mentioned as a possible destination. Indeed, Bayern have a history for plucking the best Bundesliga talent over the years, with Robert Lewandowski the biggest-name coup from BVB in recent memory.
However, it seems any move for Bellingham is out of the question for Bayern Munich.
Their chief executive Oliver Kahn claims his side will not compete for his signing, given their wealth of options in that position.
“Of course, I think Bellingham is an outstanding player,” Kahn told SportsBILD.
“With (Joshua) Kimmich, (Leon) Goretzka, (Marcel) Sabitzer and (Ryan) Gravenberch, however, we are very well equipped in that position. So we’re not thinking about that at all.”
At just 19 years of age, Bellingham is progressing towards being the complete midfielder.
Labelled a beast by Rio Ferdinand, he claims Bellingham is already better than a quintet of Premier League icons at the same age.
Murphy tells Liverpool why Bellingham transfer is vital
With Liverpool facing strong competition for Bellingham, one man who is keen to see him at Anfield is Danny Murphy.
The pundit is a huge admirer of the teenager and reckons Liverpool can change the shape of their midfield for years to come by securing his signature.
“(Bellingham) would be a hell of a signing,” Murphy said.
“It would change the dynamic of the midfield. In terms of that he’s an attacking, goalscoring midfielder. He’s a super player. Some of the attributes he’s got for such a young man…”
With Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara both over 30 and showing signs of slowing down, Bellingham would be the perfect addition. Indeed, the Reds skipper has also spoken of his admiration for the player during England duty recently.
And while the likely fee would set Liverpool back a new club-record, in signing him they would be bringing in a player who can marshall their midfield for the next decade.
A costly signing, yes, but one the Reds surely need to make sure they make in 2023.
