Klopp told world-class signing is his if Liverpool want him as Reds stars advise player on Anfield transfer
Liverpool are seemingly in the driving seat to land their prime transfer target of 2023 – with some Reds stars already getting to work in trying to persuade the player to make Anfield his next destination.
The Reds have endured a difficult season to date with the 3-1 defeat at Brentford exposing a number of weaknesses. That loss leaves Liverpool down in sixth place and now seven points adrift of the Champions League places. It was also their fifth defeat in 17 Premier League games this season.
Indeed, former Reds defender and pundit Jamie Carragher claims the Merseysiders “no longer look like a Jurgen Klopp team”. And amid rising fears this is the end of Liverpool’s cycle, it is clear a number of new signings need to be made.
Liverpool’s main objective over the next two transfer windows is to strengthen their midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita both look set to leave as a free agents when their deals run out this summer. Speculation is also growing that James Milner, 37 today, is also likely to be in his final season at Anfield.
As such, it comes as no surprise to see Liverpool targeting at least two new midfield additions this year.
And the name at the very top of their wishlist is Borussia Dortmund teenager Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old excelled with some dominant displays for England at the World Cup. And while that underlined his enormous potential, Liverpool know any deal for Bellingham will not come cheap.
According to the latest reports, any deal for the midfielder will cost an initial £88.5m (€100m) with bonuses taking the deal to £105.6m (€120m).
That will certaintly stretch Liverpool’s financial resources. And any deal will shatter the existing transfer record at Anfield.
Liverpool told Jude Bellingham transfer is on
However, Klopp has been told that the capture of Bellingham is very much in their grasp. And, in assessing their chances, pundit Frank McAvennie reckons Bellingham has already agreed to sign for Liverpool.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “Up front they have got an array of talent.
“It is the midfield for me that they have got to strengthen. Klopp will know that.
“But he won’t get much done in January. Bellingham will come in at the end of the season. I think if Liverpool want him he is theirs.
“I think it would be a great signing for Liverpool I really do.”
Liverpool’s prospects of signing Bellingham appear to have been enhanced amid claims some of their current players have already advised the player on a move to Anfield.
Furthermore, Liverpool have also been speaking with the player’s father Mark and his advisor on how a move to Liverpool will benefit his career.
Providing an update on Liverpool’s prospects of a deal, trusted reporter Ben Jacobs told Givemesport that the Merseysiders still lead the transfer chase.
“Right now because Liverpool have done so much to assure the family that there’s a plan,” he said. “And because Jurgen Klopp has been involved and players have been involved, and because Liverpool are prepared to pay big and strike a deal from a club to club sense, I believe that Liverpool consider themselves frontrunners.”
As well as Jordan Henderson, Bellingham is also reportedly close with another England teammate in Trent Alexander-Arnold. And the pair are reportedly right at the heart of Liverpool’s charm offensive aimed to securing Bellingham’s signature.
