Dortmund boss Edin Terzic has confirmed Liverpool target Jude Bellingham will be part of the team's leadership group next season.
The midfielder will be third in line for the captain's armband behind Marco Reus and Mats Hummels. This comes after Bellingham captained the side during their pre-season friendly against Villarreal on Friday.
Both Reus and Hummels had been substituted and the armband was handed to the 19-year-old for the remainder of the 2-0 defeat.
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Terzic confirmed after the game: “The fact that Jude Bellingham wore the captain’s armband towards the end of the game is a sign. He will be our new third captain."
This new role comes despite widespread speculation over his future at the Westfalenstadion. Bellingham is currently one of the most sought after young stars in the game with rumours linking him to clubs across the continent.
Liverpool are among those reported to hold an interest in the England international, who is under contract at Dortmund until 2025. The Bundesliga club are in no rush to sell Bellingham, having already parted ways with Erling Haaland earlier in the transfer window.
The Reds appear to have already completed their transfer business in terms of incomings this summer with the signings of Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay. It is understood midfield targets will be considered next year, but it remains to be seen whether Bellingham is the player they move for.
There will be plenty of competition for his signature, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid also reportedly ready to battle it out. The Champions League winners beat Liverpool to the signing of French international Aurelien Tchouameni this summer and they may look to win the race for Bellingham when he eventually parts ways with Dortmund.
Bellingham has already confirmed he will remain in Germany next season, telling German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten at the end of the campaign: "'The only future I think of is the next game for Dortmund. I'm really looking forward to next season. I can't wait for it to finally start. But yes, I'll be here next season, and I'll be ready."
His new leadership role in the team only further emphasises Dortmund are preparing for the upcoming season with Bellingham in the squad and clubs will need to wait if they intend to make a move for the star.
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