According to The Athletic, Liverpool nearly signed Jude Bellingham for just £9,000 when he was playing at Under-11 level.
What’s the story?
Well, the 19-year-old is now one of the best players in Europe as he shines for Borussia Dortmund, following a remarkable rise at Birmingham.
Bellingham became the youngest player in the history of Birmingham at the age of 16 years and 38 days, and within a year, he was ripping up the Bundesliga following a £25m move to Germany.
Liverpool are strongly interested in the England international – who looks set to play at his first World Cup later this year – although they have been told to pay £131.6m for the teenager.
That would be a new British transfer record, exceeding the £100m deal involving Manchester City and Jack Grealish.
However, Liverpool could have signed Bellingham for a lot less had his family been willing to relocate.
According to The Athletic, the midfielder impressed heavily during a two-day stint at Kirkby almost a decade ago, and the Reds were hoping to convince his family to relocate from the Midlands.
Had they agreed, Bellingham would have been enrolled in Rainhill High School with the total cost of the deal coming in at £9,000.
However, the Bellingham family decided to stay in the Midlands. Now, Liverpool will have to pay over 14,000 times more than that £9,000 figure if they want to lure him away from Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool history with Jude Bellingham could benefit Jürgen Klopp
In the summer of 2023, Liverpool face a real fight to sign Bellingham, who has been described as the No.1 target for Jürgen Klopp.
While a sum of £131.6m may be problematic for the Reds given their reluctance to spend heavily, their history with the England international could help them fend off competition – Real Madrid are also interested.
The Athletic believe Bellingham made a lasting impression on staff, and Liverpool respected the family’s decision to return to Birmingham. It was a very amicable parting, albeit disappointing for the Reds.
However, the fact that no bridges were burned could now swing things in Liverpool’s favour – in our view at least.
Keep an eye on this saga going in 2023, as we could see a new British transfer record created.
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