England international midfielder Jude Bellingham has confirmed he will not be leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer despite links to a number of major European clubs.
Liverpool have frequently been mentioned as potential suitors for the playmaker, while Manchester United attempted to sign him before he made the switch to Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020.
The Echo understands that Bellingham is a player the Reds do admire, although any possible move was always likely to come in 2023. That's because of the World Cup later this year and due to Erling Haaland's switch from the Westfalenstadion to Manchester City.
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And now the man himself has confirmed that he is content with the Bundesliga side, where he is a crucial player despite his tender age of 18.
"The only future I think about is the next game for Dortmund," he told Ruhr Nachrichten BVB. "I look forward to next season. I look forward to it finally starting. But yes, I will be here next season and I will be ready."
The midfielder is already regarded as one of the most talented players in the German top flight and is among the most coveted young players in world football.
In addition to offering an update on his future, Bellingham reflected on his development at Dortmund, where he has benefitted massively getting regular first-team football.
"I have my destiny in my hands and I know that if I try hard and trust the people around me, I can move forward," said the teenager. "I came from England as a young talent. There was not much pressure. The first season went well. There were also matches where I sat on the bench and sometimes I did not play at all.
"I think my development this year has meant that I have played a bigger role in every game except two. I am very grateful to Dortmund for the way they have nurtured my talent.
"I think a lot of the credit goes to the coaching staff and the staff who keep the noise around me. In this way I can only focus on winning matches, because that’s what I’m here for."
Bellingham has already made 12 appearances for the senior England side and he will be expected to play a major role at the Qatar showpiece later this year.
