Jude Bellingham will inform Borussia Dortmund he wants to leave after the World Cup, with Liverpool leading the race for his signature.
That’s according to SportBILD, who cover the player’s situation today and an increasingly likely move to Anfield.
They report that Bellingham has decided to leave Borussia Dortmund next summer and plans to inform those in charge at BVB of that wish, despite his contract running unto 2025.
When he has done that, the ‘transfer poker’ around him will ‘really pick up speed’ but it is Liverpool who are leading the race at this point in time.
SportBILD report that Bellingham’s future ‘probably lies’ in Liverpool, with them not only the ‘clear favourite’ for his signature but also the player’s ‘number one transfer target’.
They have learned that the player and his entourage, namely his father Marks, mother Denis and advisor Mark Bennett, have even told rivals Real Madrid that talks with Liverpool are ‘very far along’. Indeed, Bellingham’s father is thought to believe the Reds are the ‘right step’ for his son.
The big issue is the transfer fee that will be required to sign him. Dortmund are demanding €150m for their star man, a figure Liverpool are yet to get close to.
Fenway Sports Group director Mike Gordon has promised €100m for the deal but so far Jurgen Klopp’s relationship with his former club and managing director Hans-Joachim is yet to resolve the difference.
That is why reports of Fenway selling the club have emerged, with a new owner likely to have the funds to do the deal for Bellingham. Until a full sale, or even a part sale of some shares, a deal can’t happen.
Even worse, Bellingham’s World Cup performances are only ‘value-enhancing’ and seen as a ‘threat’ to the Reds prospects as it puts BVB in a better negotiating position.
Thus, those involved on Bellingham’s side are keeping potential tracks to Real Madrid and Manchester City open, despite the former becoming frustrated with Liverpool’s advancing negotiations.
Whether the England star ends up at Anfield remains to be seen but he is departing next summer and is set to tell Dortmund as much once the World Cup is over, a move that will properly start the race for his signature.
