If Liverpool do go after Jude Bellingham next summer, it won't be the first time they've made a play at the teenager.
The midfielder was hot property back in the summer of 2020 having enjoyed a stellar year at Birmingham City, where he made his debut as a 16-year-old. Borussia Dortmund won the race for his signature then, fending off plenty of Premier League competition, and have since seen their rising star flourish.
Bellingham is one of the Bundesliga's prized assets and has proved himself to be among the best players on the pitch during Champions League outings, twice scoring against Manchester City. Dortmund's battle in the months to come will be keeping hold of a player, knowing they will be outgunned financially.
Liverpool's need to regenerate their midfield and lower the age profile of their squad furthers their desire to add Bellingham to their ranks. The decision to not add a new face in the middle of the park, despite pressure to this summer, further suggests they are saving themselves and their finances for a mega move in 12 months' time.
A second bite
Bellingham, now 19, has been on Liverpool's radar for almost a decade and spent some time on Merseyside when he was playing at Under-11 level. He had a two-day trial at the club's Kirkby academy and impressed, enjoying a tour of the facilities. Liverpool attempted to convince his parents to relocate.
It would've meant the family making a two-hour drive north in a move that would've cost the Reds £9,000, according to The Athletic. Education measures had been put in place, with a school identified for Bellingham. Liverpool waited for an answer but were ultimately rejected by the family.
Chelsea and Manchester City then circled and by the time Bellingham was a senior professional, it was Manchester United who battled Dortmund the hardest. They even bought out Sir Alex Ferguson in a bid to persuade the England star to move to Old Trafford, although they ultimately failed.
The cost of Bellingham
Just over two years ago, Birmingham were looking for around £30million to part ways with Bellingham, a fee that Dortmund paid. By the time next summer comes round, the Bundesliga outfit will be demand well over £100m, which would make Bellingham the most expensive English player in history. The club value him at around £130m.
Unlike the one Erling Haaland had during his time in Westphalia, Bellingham has no release clause, allowing the German side to name their price. The huge interest in him could also incite a bidding war, which would be advantageous to his current employers and no doubt drive up his value.
The forthcoming World Cup in Qatar, which Bellingham is almost certain to be selected for, could also play into Dortmund's hands. England's midfield is an area where there could be an opening due to injuries and ageing players, thus allowing Bellingham to make his name on the world stage.
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The player's take
Bellingham has long been hailed for his maturity, often stepping up to do post-match interviews on European nights. When quizzed on his next move, he has remained coy as he believes he is indebted to Dortmund for how much they've invested in him.
He said recently: “I’m very happy here at the minute and focused on all the goals we have as a team at Borussia Dortmund, I’m really not looking past that. The club have done loads for me, made me feel very welcome since I first came and given me the opportunities to develop even further. So, to look past that and into the future would be disrespectful.”
Dortmund's sporting director Sebastian Kehl has also told BT Sport: “Jude is very happy at the club, he is very committed to us. Hopefully he can stay, next season and for a long time. We try to keep our best players. Jude is one of those and we try to keep them for as long as possible. But in the end, money is another aspect and England pays a lot more than Germany. We have to renew our philosophy every year.”
