Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic has opened up on the future of Jude Bellingham amid links with Liverpool.
The Reds continue to be heavily linked with a move for the England international, as has been the case for more than a year. Speculation increased somewhat last summer and during the January transfer window, but Bellingham remained a Dortmund player.
As well as Liverpool, the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest.. As things stand, it remains to be seen where the 19-year-old will be playing his football from next season.
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Dortmund are reported to value Bellingham in excess of £100m, which has led to doubts over Liverpool’s likelihood to pay such a fee. But this has not stopped rumours suggesting that the Reds could still make a move for the midfielder.
Speaking about Bellingham’s future, Terzic has played down the speculation that the midfielder is likely to leave Dortmund at the end of the season.
“So, first of all he still has a long-term contract with us and I never spoke about that with him,” Terzic told The Telegraph.
“The only thing we talk about is improving his performance and to try to push him to find his limits.
“The rest - there will always be rumours especially if you are a young, talented English player not playing in England.”
Terzic added: “The only thing that we don’t know yet is his limit. He can achieve everything if he stays hungry; if he stays fit. He’s physically very strong.
“He’s mentally very strong. He is ready to score. There have been many central midfielders in England in the last 20 years who have been outstanding and he can step into this role.
“I think he’s the oldest 19-year-old player I have ever met … the sky is the limit.”
Terzic has also worked with another English midfielder linked with Liverpool, having been at West Ham with Declan Rice earlier in his career. The Dortmund boss went on to explain why Bellingham could go on to be the world’s best.
“He’s outstanding. On and off the pitch,” said Terzic, about Bellingham. “He’s very hungry, he wants to learn, he wants to adapt…he will be one of the best players in the world for the next decade.
“I have been lucky enough also to work with Declan Rice at the same age. With both of them – Declan and Jude – the England national team don’t have to worry for the next 10 years in the central midfield position.”
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