Liverpool may have been handed major Jude Bellingham boost after £129m reveal – pundit
Liverpool and Man City may have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham after it was reported Real Madrid could be out of the running.
That is the view of ex-Premier League striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the future of Bellingham who has established himself as a “world class” talent at the World Cup.
Spanish radio station SER Deportivos reported that Real Madrid are not willing to pay €150million (£129million) for the 19-year-old unlike the English clubs.
The midfielder is out of contract at Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2025 but is widely expected to leave the club next year.
“It’s good news for Liverpool and Man City if maybe Real Madrid are out of the running,” Whelan told Football Insider‘s Charlotte Cohen.
“He was a very talented player at Dortmund before the World Cup, he now looks like a world class player at the World Cup. I think that’s the difference now.
“On the big stage, he’s actually being the main for England out there. He’s dominating the midfield, he looks comfortable on the ball and has got a goal at the World Cup under his belt now. He’s just a standout.
“Take nothing away from the other midfield players in the England squad because everyone’s been exceptional up to now.
“If you’re going to point one player out whos been outstanding and looks quality and world class, it’s Bellingham.
“When that happens on the big stage and the whole wide world is watching you put in those kinds of performances, you won’t just have Liverpool vying for your services. You also know that you’ve got a big team just across the way in Man City who would also be in the running for a player like that.
“He is a Liverpool-style and a Man City-style of player. He would benefit from both managers and become a better player working under Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola.
“It’s a difficult decision for one player to have but also a good position to be in. Two massive giant clubs who will be pushing for the Premier League title for seasons to come.
“If it comes down to an arm wrestle, you can’t write off Man City because they can offer all kind of wages.
“We know Liverpool have an ageing midfield and need fresh blood, this would be a crucial signing for their longevity and to push Man City.”
In other news, Liverpool have opened talks on £180,000-a-week player deal.