Real Madrid and Liverpool await transfer war for Jude Bellingham
After the very recent transfer of Casemiro to Manchester United, Real Madrid have made their interest in English midfielder Jude Bellingham “pretty clear” (h/t Liverpool Echo). Bellingham has been on Jurgen Klopp’s radar for the longest time now and he is said to be waiting until 2023 to bid for the 19-year-old.
The central midfielder has been a crucial pivot for the German outfit since his transfer to Dortmund from Birmingham City for £26m in 2020. His contract at the club expires in 2025. But he is expected to stay at the German side this season, as Die Schwarzgelben sold their other marquee player, Erling Haaland to Manchester City just earlier in the transfer window.
Losing both of their star players in a single window wouldn’t necessarily be an ideal situation. But for the Reds, the concern now would be that Madrid have prioritised a move for Bellingham next year. With both teams having the England international as their priority, a transfer war awaits.
Midfield Situation at either club
The midfield situation for both teams is similar in terms of transition. Starting midfield for both teams is starting to age, and the only significant difference is Real Madrid have enough depth to challenge for all trophies they are competing in.
For Madrid, other than usual starters Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Aurélien Tchouameni and Edouardo Camavinga consist of the bench strength for Los Blancos. Federico Valverde is also a versatile option who can play in central midfield.
For Liverpool, depth is the major factor as to why the club has not had the most ideal start to their league campaign. With not the strongest depth, injury issues and an ageing midfield comprise the problems the Merseyside club faces.
At present, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all sidelined due to injury. Fit midfielders include Fabinho Tavares, Jordan Henderson and James Milner, and they are not getting younger by the day. With Jude in their ranks, the average age of the Merseyside club will also reduce.
Given the lack of proven, natural young central midfielders at Liverpool, it would not need a very smart person to decipher which club needs the services of the former Birmingham man more. £110m is what Dortmund have apparently valued him at.
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He has the potential to walk into any starting XI in the world one day and considering Madrid’s rather apparent interest in Bellingham, the Reds have to act swiftly in order to try and secure the services of one of the world’s most exciting talents.
