MY ACCOUNT
Liverpool could be set to break yet another record.
This time, however, it is away from the pitch — with the Reds reportedly eager to add Jude Bellingham to their ranks.
A club-record fee would be required to make that dream a reality, with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder expected to cost more than the £75million Liverpool parted with to secure the services of Virgil van Dijk in 2018.
Ahead of this lunchtime’s meeting with Newcastle, we take a look at why Bellingham could well be the Merseysiders’ top transfer target this summer.
Liverpool’s evolution
Under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool perpetually evolve as a team.
The midfield acts as a ‘tap’ for the German tactician’s side. Tighten it up and things are a lot more difficult for the opposition, loosen it and the Reds cause chaos.
It all depends on the personnel available but with every passing year, there is an evolution. They do not scrap previous iterations, they just add to them.
This season, there have been hints of a 4-2-3-1 system — and Bellingham would be ideal for a double-pivot, having played there for BVB.
He is technical and physical enough to allow Liverpool to dominate that area, even when they are outnumbered.
Mature for his age
Bellingham is just 18 years old but you would never guess it from watching him.
There is a confidence to his game and an arrogance to the way he holds himself on the pitch. That can sometimes be viewed as a negative, but it is very much a positive in this instance.
He backs himself to compete against the best in the world.
Pep Guardiola noticed it when his Manchester City side faced off against Dortmund during the 2020-21 campaign.
He said: “I can’t believe he is 17, maybe he’s a liar.
“He’s so good for 17 years old, he’s a fantastic player. There was one moment when he didn’t get the ball from central defenders, how he shouts and demands that ball to him at 17 means a lot.”
Changing of the guard
Liverpool are stacked in midfield when everyone is fit.
The issue for the Reds is that it is rare for them to have all their players available at one time.
Injuries are beginning to catch up with some of the stalwarts of this squad.
James Milner is prone to missing multiple matches with the odd niggle, while Jordan Henderson tends to miss a chunk of the season and will be 32 in June. His minutes will have to be managed carefully moving forward.
Naby Keita — though he has performed well this term — always seems to be one match away from a spell on the sidelines, as does Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott are both part of the rotation cycle now but there is space for another player with youth on their side to ensure this Liverpool midfield stays fresh and hungry.
Childhood dreams
Bellingham is a boyhood Birmingham City fan but he did idolise Steven Gerrard as a youngster.
He is not shy when it comes to talking about the former Reds’ skipper and has previously posted highlight videos of the powerhouse midfielder.
A move to Anfield would allow Bellingham to stand where Gerrard stood, play how the famous No8 did and ultimately be adored by the same fans.
That might not be a factor for some players who let money drive their decisions. But few get this sort of opportunity — and it might be what is required to lure one of the most sought after midfielders in the world to Merseyside.
There is also the ‘Gerrard factor’ to consider. There is every chance the Aston Villa boss could succeed Klopp at Anfield, after all.
The right place to develop
Bellingham reportedly rejected moves to Manchester United and Chelsea prior to the switch to Dortmund. He wanted to play football in an environment that allowed him to develop.
The 12-cap international does not seem like the sort of player to be swayed by big money and empty promises.
And his next move will just be as important as his first.
Bellingham’s time with BVB has proven he will not be overawed when faced with the lofty expectations of a big club.
Couple that with Klopp’s proven track record of developing young stars and Anfield could well be the perfect destination for his next step.
