In a massive to Liverpool’s pursuit of highly-rated midfielder Jude Bellingham, the Reds won’t apparently face a competition in his signing from Real Madrid. Ever since the conclusion of the World Cup, where Bellingham market value just boomed after his brilliant performances in England’s run to the quarterfinals, it was being reported that Real are leading the race to sign him after the player himself had said ‘yes’ to them.
Liverpool, who were on his trail since last summer were blown out of the water after Real reportedly had agreed to pay Borussia Dortmund in the excess of €100m for the 19-year-old. The reports had definitely sent tremors down at Anfield, as Liverpool are in a dire need of midfield reinforcements. However, the tide may just be turning their way, after contrary to the early reports, Real have now denied that they are for Jude Bellingham.
I’ll stick with the ones we have – Ancelotti refutes to Real’s Jude Bellingham pursuit
Jude Bellingham saw his stakes soar high after the World Cup, where he scored one and assisted one goal in England’s 5 games at the tournament. However, he was more than that those goal involvements, as Bellingham was a solid block at the heart of the Three Lions’ midfielder which delivered some outstanding performances. Moreover, the teenager’s partnership and with Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson in the England midfield was lauded for the understanding the two shared on the pitch.
That particularly, was the first sign that Bellingham is built for Liverpool, and Jurgen Klopp is definitely eyeing him as Henderson’s successor who is on the wrong side of his 30s. However, Real Madrid threatened his plans as always, they too wanted Jude Bellingham as their next ‘Galactico’. But the Los Blancos’ manager Carlo Ancelotti has now spoken out that he wants no more addition in his midfield, and that he would keep the ‘current crop’ intact. Ancelotti told Marca:
“[Jude] Bellingham has shown at the World Cup that he is a great midfielder, but so have others. Enzo Fernandez has played very well. Gavi and Pedri as well. Bellingham is one of those very good midfielders, but I’ll stick with the ones we have – [Fede] Valverde, [Eduardo] Camavinga or [Aurelien] Tchouaméni.”
With those comments, it seems Ancelotti has closed the door on Bellingham to Real Madrid. However, that maybe for now as Real are never really ‘out of the race’ for talented players. The Los Blancos have already beaten Liverpool to the signing of Tchouameni last summer as the Reds had even held talks with the midfielder’s representatives and were ready to match the Spanish giants’ offer of €80m, only for the player to choose the reigning Champions League winners over them.
However, transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Liverpool are now the real favourites to land Bellingham after Real have cooled down their interest. Dortmund have already set the benchmark of €100m for their asset and Di Marzio claims the Reds are ready to put the money where their mouth is. The Italian reporter told Caught Offside:
“There’s not much in the way of hope that Jude Bellingham will stay at Borussia Dortmund. There isn’t a clause in his current contract allowing him to leave in the summer but they told him that if there’s a big opportunity for him he can leave. They have to talk, if he wants to talk. I think they will have to talk. I noted on Twitter a few weeks ago that his father is very keen on the prospect of his boy going to Liverpool.
“I don’t think a January exit will happen, Dortmund doesn’t like to do that. Money will be the main point for Liverpool but don’t forget about Real Madrid, as they have more at the moment. I heard in Liverpool that Jurgen Klopp really wants him. We call him a ‘mancatcher’ – if he wants to pursue a person, he can do that but he also has to pursue the club. I heard the club has about £200-250m that they want to spend in the summer, so there’s a good chance they get Bellingham.”
With an ailing midfield, where Liverpool only have Thiago Alcantara as their star man performing at the highest level consistently, they certainly need reinforcements in that department. The likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are nowhere near the standards Liverpool require to keep competing at the highest level, as has been evident from their massive dip in form this season. And it seems, Jude Bellingham is the answer Klopp and co are looking for.