Liverpool ‘moving’ for Jude Bellingham after £101m claim – Whelan
Noel Whelan has suggested Liverpool may be holding out for a deal to bring Jude Bellingham to the club next year amid speculation surrounding midfield reinforcements.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 19-year-old is the “number one target” at Anfield and backed the Merseysiders to move for him in 2023.
As quoted by The Times (11 July), Klopp claimed Bellingham isn’t “on the market” this summer when asked about a potential deal for the midfielder.
The report claims Dortmund are prepared to listen to bids of no less than £101million for the England international next summer.
Klopp added that he “doesn’t understand” the widespread clamour for a new midfield signing during this summer window – insisting that Liverpool are not looking to add another player in that position.
Whelan suggested it will not weaken Liverpool to wait another season in order to “get their man”.
“They’ve gone out and spent quite a lot of money this summer,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Carvalho has come in, and they’ve spent a staggering amount on Nunez as well – which is their answer to the Erling Haaland deal.
“The question is – do they need any defensive midfielders? They’ve got Milner, Henderson, Fabinho, as well as other players who can make an impact.
“Do they need to force a transfer through for the sake of it?
“We know who their number one target is. It’s Jude Bellingham – and they’ll be moving for him next year.
“Man City might have made their move a bit earlier by getting Kalvin Phillips in – but Liverpool may be waiting until next season in order to get their man.
“I don’t expect it to weaken Liverpool this season if they do wait around. I’m not expecting it to be a one-horse race. It’s still going to be an intriguing and exciting season in the Premier League.”
In other news, pundit backs Liverpool to sell England ace within weeks as “crazy” deal agreed.