Jude Bellingham has already become the most coveted player ahead of the summer transfer window, with a handful of Europe's biggest clubs queuing up for his signature. The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Borussia Dortmund for some time as he continues to impress at the Signal Iduna Park.
Bellingham, who sees his contract with the German giants expire in 2025, featured 32 times in the Bundesliga last season, directly contributing to 11 goals from midfield. His impressive displays led Dortmund to a second-place finish behind only titans Bayern Munich.
The England international has carried over his excellent form into the new campaign, further strengthening the interest in his services. Of whom, according to widespread reports, are said to be Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
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So with that being said, football.london have pulled together all the latest twists and turns in the race to sign Bellingham. The teenage sensation could generate as much, if not more, buzz around his next move than Erling Haaland...
Asking price set
According to The Athletic, Dortmund want to keep the midfielder but value him at €150million (£131million). It's said that there is no release clause in his contract with the German giants.
Bellingham stance
However, it could be difficult to convince Bellingham to leave Dortmund. Speaking ahead of the German side's Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night, he said, "The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful."
Then, when asked if returning to England is an ambition of his, he added: "It's not something I am thinking about, to be honest. It's a massive game against Man City. To even be thinking about something like that would be crazy."
Chelsea interest
Chelsea hold a long-term interest in Bellingham, football.london understands. The Blues watched the England sensation during his days as an academy player at Birmingham City.
Whether or not the west London club act on their long-term interest remains to be seen. If Liverpool do end up signing Bellingham, then it will be a huge blow for the rest of the Premier League, with the Reds having a top midfielder who could be playing at the elite level for the next 15 years.
Liverpool advantage
With an asking price set and clubs beginning to queue up, Liverpool are believed to have an advantage because of the style of play Jurgen Klopp has implemented at Anfield. Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: "He just fits in at Liverpool. The way that he plays and the system Klopp plays, it is a great fit. Bellingham is an incredibly talented footballer.
"He still has his best years ahead of him. He already has an unbelievable reputation. His charisma on the ball is something special. I love watching him. To achieve what he has at such a young age is remarkable.
"I think he has been really clever with how he has managed his career and his career path. It is only a matter of time before he returns to England. I strongly suspect he will move to Liverpool because of the way they play. It suits him."
Klopp's number one target
Jurgen Klopp has apparently made the England international his 'number one target' and if he was to move to Anfield, then he could become the club's record signing. The Liverpool boss believes the teenage sensation is the 'ideal fit' for his team and wants to push ahead in the summer of 2023.
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