Liverpool fans had their week spoiled somewhat when it emerged that Jude Bellingham would no longer be a target this summer.
It was The Times – in addition to a number of other outlets – who revealed that Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp have decided to go for quantity over quality as they realise the sheer scale of the midfield overhaul, instead of splashing the entire budget on one marquee arrival.
While that has left a number of Liverpool fans fearful of losing Bellingham to Manchester United, Manchester City or Real Madrid, there is now fresh hope that a deal could be done at some point.
What’s the story?
Well, Patrick Berger – Chief Reporter for German outlet Sport1 – believes it is possible that the England international stays at Borussia Dortmund for the 2023/24 campaign.
If that turns out to be the case, then it offers Liverpool hope of completing a deal for Bellingham next summer, when the situation at Anfield may have changed.
As things stand, Liverpool clearly feel they cannot splash out more than £120m – which Goal‘s Neil Jones believes it will take – to sign the Borussia Dortmund No.22 this year given the need to bolster other areas.
Liverpool right to put Jude Bellingham interest on ice
In our view, it is the right decision for Liverpool to put their Bellingham pursuit aside for now.
This season has shown that Klopp needs a complete midfield overhaul with at least three new arrivals in that department, as Thiago struggles to stay fit and Fabinho shows signs of a decline.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are also set to leave when their contracts expire in July.
Therefore, it would be a huge risk to spend the entire budget on Bellingham, who – as talented as he is – cannot turn the situation around singlehandedly.
Be sure to keep an eye on further developments – if Bellingham doesn’t leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, Liverpool could finally get their man in 2024.
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