Graeme Souness urged Liverpool to switch their attention toward James Maddison as an alternative to Jude Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham is already a name Liverpool fans will connect with more than anyone. The Reds are heavily linked with a move for the 19-year-old England international, but any move would prove a complicated matter because of the transfer fee that Borussia Dortmund might demand.
Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay around €100 million, but that may not be enough to convince Dortmund to sell. The Bundesliga side are expected to demand close to €150 million, which may blow the Reds out of the race. Yet, constant media reports continue to link them with the 19-year-old.
Liverpool have reportedly been in touch with Bellingham and his camp. However, he may also have offers from other sides like Real Madrid and Manchester City, who remain keen. Realistically, only a handful of teams can afford to sign him, and the Reds may not be one of them.
Former Reds great Graeme Souness has suggested an alternative to Bellingham. In his comments on Caughtoffside, Souness insisted Liverpool look at James Maddison instead of the Dortmund star.
Souness said, “I’m sure Liverpool will be linked with 100 midfielders in the months ahead, by both media reports and pundit comments like this. We know they will be busy with midfield changes in 2023.
“At the moment, though, there are still no clubs in negotiations for Maddison…so we will see what Liverpool will decide to do. For the time being, Bellingham remains the top priority; nothing has changed.”
Maddison has recently attracted plenty of interest after a sensational season with Leicester City. He has 7 goals and 4 assists, which suggests he can offer many things in the final third. Liverpool are certainly missing someone in the mould of the England international.
Hence, Souness’ advice may be wise for Liverpool to consider in January. Their priority remains a midfielder, but they also lack a player who could change games in the final third. Maddison may be that player.
Additionally, he would be far cheaper than Bellingham. Moreover, if Jurgen Klopp wants to add a game-changing star to his ranks, he should look at Maddison; otherwise, he will risk one of the top-four rivals taking him on board.
