Jurgen Klopp has confessed that Liverpool would have to be ‘stupid’ not to be interested in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The Reds are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements this summer and are looking to lure Bellingham back to England, although they will have to fend off interest from both Manchester City and Real Madrid to do so.
In an interview with Sport Bild, Klopp did not shy away from admitting Liverpool’s interest in Bellingham, but did his best not to reveal too many details.
“Jude is a great player that we know of course,” he said. “We’d be silly not to have him on screen. But there’s not much more to say at the moment.”
Asked if there was any truth to reports that Liverpool had already met Bellingham’s family to discuss a move, Klopp insisted: “These things don’t work at all because he has a contract with Borussia Dortmund and that doesn’t work without consent. So it’s not true.”
Dortmund ruled out offloading Bellingham in January and 90 Minutes understands the German side have made the midfielder an offer to try and keep him through the summer, urging him to delay his expensive move as former team-mate Erling Haaland now shines at Man City. .
That said, all three of Liverpool, City and Real believe they have made a convincing case to Bellingham and it is now up to the 19-year-old, who is under contract until 2025, to make a final decision on his future.
Recently, Klopp admitted he had no idea how much Bellingham would cost, admitting the teenager is indeed a special talent.
“I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see that he is just special,” said the Liverpool manager.
“If you mention to someone who doesn’t have a clue about football or who knows about football and hasn’t watched it for a while, ‘How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?’, I don’t think anyone would come close to his age.” They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so mature. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional.
“With all the things he has and the things he can improve on, I would describe him, I would say the things he can do are hard to learn and the things he can improve are easy to learn.
“So yes, he’s a really good player. What can I say? I’ve thought that for two or three years since he broke through at Dortmund. Everyone already knew that, but I have no idea what it means for money.” that.
“I really think if we all want to do him a favour, then we don’t talk much about money. I mean it from England’s point of view. Don’t put any obstacles in his development.”
