Liverpool have reportedly beaten Real Madrid in the race to sign Borussia Dortmund wonder-kid Jude Bellingham. The Reds are believed to have made significant headway in their pursuit of the English teenage and are 'very close' to taking him to Anfield.
After impressing for Dortmund in the past couple of seasons, Jude Bellingham has taken his exceptional talent to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The 19-year-old has already established himself as an indispensable member of the England team, putting together strings of performances that have drawn admiration from many big names in the sport and fans alike.
The young midfielder has long been tipped as the next big thing set to come out of the Bundesliga and host of top European clubs are already readying their check books ahead of a potential tussle in next summer's transfer window. With an estimated transfer value of over $150M, the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly keep tabs on the player.
However, a new report from Germany has suggested that he might be Premier League-bound. On Wednesday, Christian Falk, the head of German media outlet SportBILD, excited Liverpool fans with his tweet that read: "Liverpool are favourites to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next summer. Talks are more advanced than with Real Madrid. The family of Bellingham prefers the transfer to Liverpool."
TRUE Liverpool are favorites to sign Jude Bellingham (19) from @BVB next Summer. talks are more advanced than with Real Madrid. The Family of Bellingham prefers the Transfer to @LFC @SPORTBILD
— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) December 7, 2022
Falk subsequently said on the Anfield Wrap's podcast that the race had already been won by the Reds with Bellingham set to move to Klopp's team next summer.
"Haaland left us to go to the Premier League, so all eyes now are on Bellingham and Musiala, who is playing at Bayern Munich and not for England, I like to mention that!
"We're going to lose Bellingham like Haaland next summer, it's getting closer and closer. You heard the news today, you will have heard that Bellingham and Liverpool are very, very close. There have been many, many talks. His father Mark, mother Denise and agent Mark Bennett are really focused on Liverpool."
Meanwhile Bellingham is yet to address the speculations surrounding his future and may not do so until after his World Cup spell with England. So far, he has a goal and an assist to his name for the Three Lions and will aim to add to his tally when they take on France in the quarter-finals on December 10.
