Borussia Dortmund could use the Enzo Fernandez deal as a benchmark to determine the price for Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.
Christian Falk has told Caught Offside that Borussia Dortmund could set a new benchmark to set a high price for Jude Bellingham after the huge deal for Enzo Fernandez. It may come as a blow for potential suitors Liverpool and Real Madrid, who were hoping to negotiate with the German side.
The market for central midfielders went up a notch after recent deals and price reveal. The Premier League’s top clubs could look for a top-rated star in the next window, with many names under consideration. The rapid pace at which things move could become unprecedented, especially since it’s only been three days since the January deadline.
Central midfielders will come in huge demand next summer, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, and the Manchester Clubs all set to look for one. Each of those sides will want one of a few names, such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Moises Caicedo, among others.
Bellingham, in particular, is drawing plenty of interest from high-profile clubs. Considering he will become one of the summer market’s expensive acquisitions, only a handful of clubs, like Real Madrid or Manchester City, could make the financial commitment to sign him.
Yet, Liverpool are firmly in the chase, considering the player likes the idea of joining the Merseysiders. While Jurgen Klopp will look to convince the club to spend heavily on a single player, they might bow out of the Bellingham chase if the price tag skyrockets.
And that might well be the case with Bellingham next summer. Borussia Dortmund are ready to take the Enzo Fernandez deal to Chelsea as their benchmark before determining the price for the England international. Sky Sports Germany’s Christian Falk was of a similar opinion.
Falk said, “All sides were keeping a close eye on the deal for Enzo Fernández; Dortmund now feels they have a suitable benchmark for Bellingham thanks to the Chelsea transfer. Now they’re saying he won’t be cheaper. So Liverpool now knows what they have to bring to the table – it shouldn’t be less than the transfer fee for Fernández.”
Clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City may yet consider the midfielder despite a possible high price tag. As for Liverpool, much will depend on how deep their pockets are in the summer. Additionally, they might suffer a further financial blow if they fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
A depleted revenue could hurt their chances of signing someone like Bellingham. Considering what Enzo Fernandez went for, it is safe to assume the England international will cost €150 million or more.
