Liverpool can change their plan to sign Jude Bellingham if a reported inquiry is a success. The Reds clearly want the player.
The Telegraph reports that Liverpool lead the race for Jude Bellingham. That’s a race that will only get more intense, given the midfielder continues to impress.
But there’s an interesting line in that report. They claim that Liverpool are trying to find out if Bellingham actually has a release clause. Borussia Dortmund wouldn’t publicise such a thing and it appears that the Reds suspect there is one. They’re not alone in that, either – other clubs are making a similar play.
That would be quite the revelation and may change Liverpool’s plan to sign Bellingham. Instantly, they could attempt to win the race before more competitors sign up.
Liverpool make Jude Bellingham inquiry
Back in 2017, Liverpool tried to sign a highly-rated midfielder from Germany. That was Naby Keita, only RB Leipzig wouldn’t sell.
Keita had a release clause coming into effect in 2018, however, and Liverpool saw an opportunity. They struck a deal to sign the player early but allow the deal to be on hold for a year. To sweeten the pot, the Reds would pay a certain amount above the release clause, dependent on Leipzig’s success.
This allowed for Liverpool to guarantee Keita was theirs before the likes of Bayern Munich were ready to commit. They eventually signed him for around £53m – slightly above what Leipzig would have received that summer with his clause.
Perhaps a similar deal could happen in January if Bellingham truly does have a clause. Liverpool could make an offer above that amount, winning the race before it really starts.
Because as things stand, we’re quite worried that this race will get out of hand. Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea are already linked. Manchester City stand on the horizon, too, with reports they want a midfielder.
While sporting director Sebastian Kehl claims Dortmund want to ‘keep their best players’ from now on, the interest in Bellingham may make that impossible. And he’s a player Liverpool should definitely want to sign.
Potentially striking an early deal before others are ready could be the Reds’ best chance at getting him.
