Jude Bellingham revealed as 'close friend' of Liverpool man

Liverpool youngster James Balagizi has revealed that he is a close friend of Reds’ midfield target Jude Bellingham.

It’s been widely reported that Liverpool will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer of 2023, and many reliable journalists have suggested that the Merseyside club’s top target is Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham.

Jurgen Klopp and the North West club’s hierarchy supposedly were interested in the former Birmingham City man this summer, but Dortmund were unwilling to sell both Bellingham and Erling Haaland in the same window.

The Reds are expected to pursue the 19-year-old midfielder next summer and will likely face competition from the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City for his signature.

One factor that could help Bellingham make his decision is the personal connections he has at the club’s which represent potential suitors, and it’s been revealed that Liverpool’s 18-year-old Balagizi is a close friend of the England international.

In an interview by Keifer MacDonald with Balagizi for the Liverpool Echo, the journalist stated: “While there are many within the Liverpool squad Balagizi takes inspiration from, it’s close friend Jude Bellingham who becomes the topic of conversation during the closing stages of his chat with the ECHO.”

Balagizi said: “It just makes you think it’s possible to achieve what you dreamed of as a kid. There are people I know that are doing it, so why shouldn’t I be there doing it?"

"If I can keep my head down and keep working hard every single day, hopefully, one day I’ll get my opportunity and go from there."

“He’s (Bellingham) so complete, it’s just crazy. He inspires others to go out and maximise our potential and he’s doing that on the biggest stage right now. He’s so inspiring to me because that’s where I want to be in the future as well.”

Although ultimately footballing matters and finances will be the significant factors influencing Bellingham’s decision, having close friends like Balagizi and England team-mates in Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will attract the starlet to Anfield.

It augurs well for the Reds as they look to rebuild an ageing middle of the park. The likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara and James Milner are on the wrong side of 30, meanwhile Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain struggle to stay fit and are in the final years of their respective contracts.

Getting this marquee midfield signing right is imperative as Klopp looks to build the next iteration of this Liverpool team.