Your morning digest for Wednesday, September 8.
Jude Bellingham transfer latest as Liverpool linked with £80m summer move for Borussia Dortmund man
Jude Bellingham has been named as Liverpool ’s top transfer target for next summer, according to reports.
The 18-year-old has been tentatively linked with the Reds for a prolonged period of time, but the Daily Star claims that Liverpool have prioritised the midfielder and suggest that it would take a club record £80m to take the teenager away from Borussia Dortmund.
However, the ECHO understands that although Bellingham is on Liverpool’s radar, the German club would be unwilling to sell their midfield talisman until after the 2022 World Cup; with the Black and Yellows anticipating losing star striker Erling Haaland at the end of this season.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham transfer could solve several problems for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp
Bellingham’s stunning performances in the Bundesliga have seen him gain England recognition and establish himself as one of the most exciting young talents in world football.
Liverpool had been one of several clubs linked with the then-16-year-old when he moved from Birmingham City to Dortmund for £25m last June - but his value has since risen exponentially.
Read the full story here .
Liverpool could complete £171m squad overhaul for nothing next summer
Liverpool fans endured a somewhat frustrating summer, as supporters demanded signings from club owners FSG , while acknowledging the quality already within Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
A midfielder and a forward option were the two most sought after recruits, with Ibrahima Konate ensuring that the Reds would not endure a similar centre-back crisis to last season.
However, despite their limited outlay in the transfer market, the reason why further reinforcements may have been necessary has already been outlined, but the club have also been shown a potential solution.
Injuries sustained by Harvey Elliott, Roberto Firmino, James Milner, and Takumi Minamino demonstrate the delicate balance in Liverpool’s squad depth. Though the high-profile free transfer of Lionel Messi to PSG, as well as Kylian Mbappe’s proposed move to Real Madrid as a free agent next summer, point the Reds in the right direction.
As opposed to Jack Grealish’s £100m move to Manchester City, Barcelona ’s financial woes present Liverpool with a chance to upgrade key areas for free next season. Having been the club that snared Luis Suarez away from Anfield, the tables look to have turned with a trio of star players all up for grabs in 2022.
Read the full story here .
