The chances of Liverpool signing Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund has slimmed down with the Bundesliga club plan to set a high price tag for the youngster.
According to reports, Borussia Dortmund will slam a high price tag on the prolific young playmaker amid interest from a number of Europe’s elite clubs.
Jude Bellingham has been prolific for Borussia Dortmund this season and has engineered the team to the summit of the Bundesliga table above arch-rivals Bayern Munich.
He was instrumental in the club’s 6-0 thumping of FC Cologne which saw them displace the Bavarians at the top of the Bundesliga after the latter fell to Bayer Leverkusen at the Bay Arena.
Jude Bellingham has been linked to a summer exit from Borussia Dortmund with top European clubs laying siege at Bay Aren, ready to line up offers for the youngster.
However, his contract with Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park runs out in 2025 and Dortmund have no obligation to sell Bellingham, with no release clause in his contract.
This means the Bundesliga giants are more likely to demand an exorbitant fee for the England international since they are not under pressure to let him go with two years remaining in his contract.
Reports from Spanish media outlets said Borussia Dortmund have placed a €140m (£123.7m) price tag on Bellingham.
Manchester City are also in the race to sign Jude Bellingham but are yet to table their offer.
According to the Athletic, Liverpool’s chances of signing Jude Bellingham is low with the current situation of his contract with Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City and Real Madrid are said to be the two likely destinations for Jude Bellingham instead of Anfield should he exit Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The Reds are more likely to fall out of the bidding race that will pit them against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
Jurgen Klopp on Jude Bellingham
Jurgen Klopp has been a long-time admirer of Jude Bellingham. He has applauded the youngster for his skills and maturity on the pitch.
Speaking during a press conference on boxing day, Jurgen Klopp said
‘Everyone agrees he is just exceptional.
‘Imagine someone saw him for the first time, how old would they think he is? Nobody would get even close. He plays so maturely, like a 28-year-old.
‘The things he can do already are difficult to learn, and the things he has to improve are easy to learn.’
Apart from the anticipated high price tag that will turn the Reds off from the pursuit of Bellingham, the team also faces the uncertainty of Champions League football next season.
This could raise hiccups in agreeing personal terms with Jude Bellingham, who is accustomed to Champions League football, should Liverpool cross the price tag hurdle.
Lack of Champions League football will put Liverpool at a disadvantage against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the race to sign the 18-year-old.
After being bundled out of the Champions League by Real Madrid, the Reds are still struggling in the top-four race and sit 6th on the table.
They have been inconsistent in the Premier League and are far from landing any silverware this season.
However, despite their stark disadvantage in the bidding race for Jude Bellingham, they are still optimistic about bagging a deal.
