Liverpool have been told to sign Jude Bellingham this summer, rather than wait until next year.
Bellingham’s contract with Borussia Dortmund runs out in 2025 so the Reds would have to produce an eye-watering offer to pry the youngster away from the Bundesliga.
But former Reds’ right-back Glen Johnson believes going all out for the 19-year-old would be worthwhile for his former club.
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Speaking to GGrecon, Johnson asserted a side would usually wait a summer to sign a youngster “if they’re currently not good enough to get into your team".
But Johnson believes Bellingham “could improve Liverpool’s team now”.
Johnson suggests Bellingham will be wasting a crucial season of development if he is to stay at Dortmund this term as he will “have half an eye on Liverpool”.
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The former England international is of the opinion that if Liverpool are “going to spend the money” then they should “do the deal now because he’s good enough to play now anyway.”
This is a dilemma Liverpool will have been mulling over throughout the transfer period.
But all signs point towards a complete reluctance on Borussia Dortmund’s behalf to sell Bellingham this summer.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, the Reds enquired over Bellingham’s availability at the beginning of the window, and they were immediately turned away by Dortmund.
In this case, it’s not as simple as providing an offer which the Bundesliga giants view as adequate. Bellingham is not on the market.
As much as the youngster would currently improve Liverpool’s midfield, hopes of signing him before the transfer window ends have been dashed.
If Liverpool really want Bellingham, they will have to wait.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Jude Bellingham, Liverpool, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga