Liverpool have dramatically decided to pull out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund star player Jude Bellingham this summer.
Jude Bellingham has been Liverpool’s top priority to acquire but the six times European champions are considering the cost of signing the England international which would restrict the planned overhaul of Jurgen Klopp’s team.
This summer is likely Dortmund’s last chance to cash in big on the midfielder, therefore they are reportedly willing to listen to bids.
The Reds plan to revamp their midfield this summer, but they are hesitant to spend so much money on a single player because Dortmund is reportedly demanding £130 million for Bellingham.
Dortmund is reportedly willing to play hardball, and Liverpool reportedly wants to avoid getting dragged into a protracted struggle.
Despite Klopp’s admiration for Bellingham, Liverpool may instead opt to pursue less expensive options like Mason Mount or the free agent Youri Tielemans.
Matheus Nunes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who has been a key contributor in recent games, and Joao Palhinha of Fulham are also on Liverpool’s transfer radar.
That’s good news for clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, who have shown a sustained interest in the 19-year-old midfielder.
When Bellingham left Birmingham for Dortmund, United believed they were in the pole position to sign him, and they will continue to press their case for the biggest young talent in English football.
Real Madrid reportedly wants to sign Bellingham but can’t afford to pay what Dortmund is asking.
PSG is thought to have a “strong aim” on the 19-year-old, so this development could inspire them to make a bid.
Bellingham is a player Dortmund would like to retain for at least another year.
The club is considering extending an offer that would boost his annual compensation by 150 percent, to 13 million pounds.
The source also asserts that a £131 million release clause would be included in his deal.
This would open the door for Bellingham to sell his shares in the club to interested parties and ensure a hefty transfer fee for the Bundesliga team.
Last week, Klopp gave a cryptic suggestion that Liverpool’s upcoming summer signings would fall short of fans’ lofty expectations.
But, this is not the first time he or the club has been willing to make a controversial choice to prioritize long-term success.
Liverpool denied rumors that they had made an offer for Bellingham on Tuesday night.
The club is ready to make a bold move in preparation for a pivotal summer as they aim to return to the top of the Premier League.
They will be losing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino, which will free up salary cap space, Klopp is sure that his squad won’t fall behind because of it.
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