Liverpool dealt Jude Bellingham transfer blow as star has head turned by another club

Liverpool could be fighting a losing battle in their bid to lure Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham to Anfield.

The 19-year-old has developed into one of the finest midfielders in world football since moving to Germany from Birmingham City in a £25 million deal back in 2020.

This season, Bellingham has raised his game once again. In 20 appearances so far, he has scored nine goals and has two assists to his name. He has also been given the responsibility of captain on multiple occasions.

Now, a host of different clubs around the continent are queuing up to land the midfielder’s signature. The likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all believed to be in the running for the Englishman’s signature.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that Liverpool are ‘very confident’ about their chances of landing Bellingham. However, things appeared to have changed.

Bellingham’s agent, Haydn Dodge has spoken about his client’s future.

He said to Caught Offside: “It’s no secret – Jude Bellingham is wanted by Liverpool.

“But even though he fancied the move a little while ago, he’s having some doubts now and that’s because Real Madrid have made him aware of their interest.”

Dodge revealed that the La Liga giants see Bellingham as the replacement for Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.

He added: “They have said they view him as part of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos’ replacement. They want Bellingham to make up a midfield three alongside Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. And that is a frightening prospect.

“He could still go to Liverpool as early as January. But Real Madrid are certainly doing their best to make it difficult for Jurgen Klopp.”

However, other media outlets are reporting that City are in pole position to land the midfielder. According to Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan, people with knowledge of the situation reckon Bellingham will end up at the Etihad stadium.

Liverpool are in need of new faces in their midfield department as the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago will soon be reaching the twilight years of their careers.

The younger options such as Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Curtis Jones have been facing multiple fitness issues which have hampered their chances of impressing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Who will win the race for Bellingham? Only time will tell.