Liverpool are optimistic about signing Jude Bellingham next summer despite reports the midfielder is closer to joining Real Madrid in the future.
According to Give Me Sport via Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Jude Bellingham next summer. The Manchester United, Real Madrid target is a massive subject in the transfer window, with the Reds reportedly leading the chase for the Borussia Dortmund star.
Jude Bellingham seems destined to move to a massive football club in January or the summer. The new club remains a question as at least three big sides continue to chase the 19-year-old’s signature. In the last few years since joining Borussia Dortmund, the England international’s career has taken a different turn, as he is now one of the most coveted stars in the continent.
Since the summer, talks of a move to Liverpool have been rife, but the tonality of the conversation has changed in recent weeks. Borussia Dortmund values the player relatively highly and will demand a significant fee in return. Despite Jurgen Klopp’s public comments about spending done by other clubs, the Merseysiders were reportedly willing to invest significantly in Bellingham.
Recently reports emerged of Liverpool giving up on the pursuit as they believed Bellingham was keen on joining Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have earmarked him as a top priority, but things could change between now and the summer.
Madrid reportedly wanted to sign him in January, but Dortmund may not want to lose him this month. Hence, Liverpool are still considered a challenger in the pursuit, and CBS’ Ben Jacobs insists the Reds are ‘cautiously optimistic’ about signing Bellingham next summer.
Jacobs said, “I do think that Liverpool are leading the race for Bellingham. They’re going to have competition, but I think that there’s a cautious optimism on the Liverpool front that. “Because they started earlier than most and because they have put in a lot of legwork and they’ve been very hands-on.
“They believe that they’ve done all they can at this point in the race to make progress and land Jude Bellingham. Then we’ll wait and see how other suitors move and how that affects the situation.”
Jacobs’ comments make sense, as Liverpool have been one of the early chasers in the race. Yet, mixed reports are coming out in the media regarding Bellingham’s next destination. Manchester United have also been mentioned, as Erik ten Hag continues to look for a top-draw midfielder.
The Red Devils could trail the other two top sides in the chase. Liverpool boss Klopp wants Bellingham to lead the future teams and is keen on bringing the player to Anfield. Meanwhile, Madrid views him as a potential replacement for Toni Kroos or Luka Modric, and they have shown their ability to invest big in young talent in the past.
