Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool told to take advice from Man Utd in Dortmund star pursuit, as swap deal rejected out of hand

Jude Bellingham and Karim Adeyemi

Liverpool have been told to look at Manchester United’s signing of Jadon Sancho before dealing with Borussia Dortmund for Jude Bellingham.

Sancho registered 50 goals and 64 assists while playing for Dortmund between August 2017 and May 2021. His fantastic form with the Bundesliga club made Manchester City look ridiculous for selling him.

The winger soon became a target for Man Utd and they eventually completed his transfer in July last year. According to BBC Sport, the Red Devils spent £73million when signing Sancho.

Unfortunately for the player and Man Utd, he has struggled on his return to England. Sancho managed just five goals and three assists in 38 appearances last season.

This campaign, his record stands at three goals and one assist in 14 outings. Sancho has looked slightly better under Erik ten Hag, but he is still far from his Dortmund form.

Bellingham could follow in Sancho’s footsteps by coming back to England after a highly successful spell with Dortmund. Although, the central midfielder will be looking for a more successful return to his homeland.

Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea have all been named as potential suitors for Bellingham.

Liverpool appear to be the English side with the best chance of completing his signing. Spanish giants Real Madrid will pose a serious threat, though.

Pundit discusses Jude Bellingham to Liverpool

Recently, reports have suggested Dortmund could ask for Liverpool starlet Tyler Morton to be included in a deal for Bellingham.

Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson has refuted claims that a player-plus-cash deal may take place. He has urged Liverpool to look at the Sancho transfer, which shows Dortmund will only deal with big money when selling their best stars.

“No chance,” Robinson replied when asked by Football Insider if Morton could be used as a makeweight in the Bellingham move.

“Borussia Dortmund will not be interested in any other than a huge financial package. Look at the Jadon Sancho deal for example.

“Bellingham will have an eye on the Premier League I’m sure. He will want to play in England.

“Liverpool look like the frontrunners. If they want to get the deal done they are going to have to cough up a huge sum.

Dortmund backed to hold out for full valuation

“Yes, they can offer Dortmund players like Tyler Morton but I cannot see that having any impact on the finances of the deal.

“Dortmund’s business model is reliant on getting top fees for their young talent. It will be no different with Bellingham.”

There are big variations when sources discuss how much Bellingham could move to Anfield for.

Some claim he will cost as much as £130m, which would make Bellingham Liverpool’s record signing and Dortmund’s record departure.

Other reports, however, state he will be on the move for £87m. This is definitely within Liverpool’s reach, whereas the £130m would be pushing them.

Bellingham is so good that most Liverpool fans probably wouldn’t even question the club spending £87m on him. He can do pretty much everything a midfielder needs to do, while also getting forward and in amongst the goals.

In addition to this, Bellingham is only 19. This means he would be able to play a big role in the Liverpool team for over 10 years, should he opt to create a dynasty there.

Meanwhile, Graeme Souness has suggested Liverpool pursue a Prem midfielder instead of Bellingham.