Liverpool could still be set to make a monumental transfer move…
What’s the word?
According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham is still a target for Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist claimed:
“The thing with Liverpool is they’ve got to aim high in the transfer market and in Bellingham, they see one of the very best young midfielders in world football.
“They’ve built such a strong case for signing him already. They’ve tracked him since his Birmingham days, it would be a surprise for me to see them sign [Moises] Caicedo instead of him.”
He was reportedly only available in the summer if someone was willing to pay out an astronomical €120m (£104m).
He’s the final piece of the puzzle
Liverpool’s midfield woes have not been unnoticed, as the Reds have suffered a faulty start to their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Injuries to a whole host of midfielders, including Jordan Henderson, Fabio Carvalho and Thiago, have meant that the reliance on a misfiring front three has been larger than ever.
Mohammed Salah in particular seems to be wilting with the lack of creativity from midfield, with the Egyptian having started the season with just two goals in their opening seven games.
However, to add the creativity and work rate of the generational Bellingham would be an incredible statement signing for Klopp. He can complete their midfield, fixing their woes and solidifying a spot in their engine room for many years to come.
The 19-year-old, who has already been branded "so special" and as "a leader" by BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves, scored three and assisted eight last season in the Bundesliga, and earned huge praise for his dominance at such a young age.
In fact, his dominance sees him rank in the top 3% for dribbles completed per 90.
Adding this desperation to progress forward to a Liverpool side that only has three goals from midfielders this season would certainly be a step towards closing the gap between them and the ever-improving Manchester City.
The fact that Bellingham too ranks in the top 9% for shot-creating actions further supports this, suggesting that his introduction would alleviate the creative burden currently held mainly by Thiago.
The Spaniard too ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries and in the top 1% for progressive passes, but at 31 years old and prone to injuries his time at Anfield may be dwindling.
Bellingham can step in and offer a fit, young, and hungry core that provides the final piece to perfecting Klopp’s midfield. He is exactly what is needed at Anfield and must be secured as soon as possible no matter the price.