Jude Bellingham transfer latest: Liverpool sent message as picture becomes clearer over blockbuster deal

The likely decision made by Liverpool chiefs not to sign a new midfielder this summer has been backed by one observer – as he feels they can put themselves in with a strong chance of landing Jude Bellingham in 2023.

The Reds have invested heavily this summer, with Darwin Nunez arriving in a club-record deal. The £85m that the Uruguayan will eventually cost will be offset, partially, by the sale of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich. As far as Mane goes, Loris Karius has become the latest to have his say on the Senegalese’s transfer.

Jurgen Klopp has also moved to sign two young stars of significant promise. Indeed, deals for Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay are seen as excellent additions for the future.

However, many observers felt it was their midfield that was most in need of reinforcements this summer. While James Milner has penned a new deal, at 36, there is an acceptance that 2022/23 may be the last of his career.

Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson are also on the wrong side of 30. To that end, all three players will ultimately need replacing.

Klopp did have one major target in mind for his midfield. Ultimately, though, it was a move to Real Madrid that most appealed to Aurelien Tchouameni. That’s despite Klopp’s best efforts to steer the Frenchman towards Anfield.

Liverpool do have other midfielders they would consider signing, however. As such, they were once again linked with Inter star Nicolo Barella, with Klopp reportedly ‘bewitched’ by the Italy schemer.

Ultimately, though, any deal for Barella, or anyone else does seem unlikely.

Instead, Liverpool FC are reportedly keen on Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham.

The England midfielder, still only 18, has made 90 appearances for BVB since his move from Birmingham in summer 2020.

Jude Bellingham transfer to Liverpool in 2023

The Bundesliga side are seen as a club where their top players can be poached away. However, with their ‘one-sale-a summer’ policy, they have already allowed Erling Haaland to move in a £51m switch to Man City.

Instead, Liverpool look more likely to move for Bellingham in summer 2023.

And their chances have been rated by pundit Noel Whelan, speaking to Football Insider.

He thinks it makes more sense to wait now for Bellingham next summer, rather than sign a Plan C or Plan D player now.

Assessing their need to strengthen in the area, Whelan said: “That’s where Jude Bellingham comes in.

“It’s known that Borussia Dortmund don’t let two stars go in one season. That’s not how they operate.

“I think they’ve got enough in midfield to see one more season out and then get the player they want.

“I don’t see any point of getting a third-choice, fourth-choice stand-by when you know you are building a squad with the likes of [Luis] Diaz and [Darwin] Nunez that have come into the first-team.

“Now you need that next big player for five, six years to take the place of a Fabinho, a [James] Milner or a [Jordan] Henderson. You’ve got to bring in your number one target.

“For me, that’s worth waiting for in Jude Bellingham.”

Star is worth waiting for

Bellingham is a midfielder of the highest level. And at just 18 years old – he turns 19 later this week – it’s staggering to think just how good he can get.

The experience he already has under his belt is not normal of any other teenager.

Dortmund, will however, command massive money for the midfielder when the time comes for him to leave.

And he will have no shortage of admirers with Manchester United also certain to come calling in 2023. Real Madrid too are also being linked, with Bellingham seen as a long-term replacement for Luka Modric.

That said, you would not back against Liverpool getting the deal done this time next year.

Klopp wants Jude Bellingham but he’ll have to wait

Liverpool want to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund but they will have to wait until next summer

With the Reds almost certain to focus on midfield additions then, Bellingham will be seen as just ripe for the taking.

And with Klopp enjoying good relations with BVB, the Reds will hope to win the race for the talismanic young midfielder.

Jude Bellingham to Liverpool in 2023? It would not surprise us one bit…

Meanwhile, Takumi Minamino has offered a scathing assessment of his Liverpool treatment as his exit gathers pace.