Jude Bellingham will be one of the most expensive transfers in European football if he moves on - but the fee won't be what Borussia Dortmund are reportedly asking for, claims a Liverpool legend.
The Reds are expected to make a bid for the 19-year-old England international next summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to reinvent his aging midfield. And with his side struggling with injuries at the start of the season, rumours regarding a move for Bellingham have only intensified.
The midfielder won't come cheap. Under contract with Dortmund until 2025, reports have suggested the Bundesliga outfit will command an eye-watering £130m to part company with their star player. However, former Kop idol John Barnes believes although Bellingham's fee would be a hefty one, it won't be anything like the figure currently being suggested.
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Speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes said: “If you’re prepared to pay it, you’re worth what someone is prepared to pay. If you have to pay £80m you pay £80m, or you pay £60m. It won’t be £130m. That’s what they’re talking about but of course when you’re looking at Dortmund and what they sell players for, of course they try and say that he’s £130m.
“They may say they want £200m and take £70/£80m, we don’t know. But in terms of being up there around the mark of one of the most expensive players then yes he is absolutely worth it.”
Bellingham came through the youth ranks at Birmingham City before making a surprise switch to Dortmund in 2020. He has since gone on to make 100 appearances for the German club in all competitions, scoring 13 goals and already has 15 caps for England.
Liverpool are looking to make key changes to their midfield with Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara all over 30 and Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the final years of their current contracts.
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