Liverpool are long-term admirers of Jude Bellingham and are considered front runners in the race for his signature, however, a new update has emerged from a reliable source on what is expected from Borussia Dortmund and the player to complete a deal.
What's the latest?
The Times' Northern football correspondent Paul Joyce has revealed the two factors that must be met in order for Liverpool to secure the signature of Bellingham either in the January or summer 2023 transfer window.
As per a report for the publication, Joyce claimed that Liverpool will not only have to meet the demands and transfer valuation Borussia Dortmund set out when the time comes to sell the midfielder but also will depend on how the club progresses in the second half of the season after a disappointing start.
It'd be a major coup
It is no secret that Bellingham is one of the hottest young prospects in world football right now and there are many elite clubs interested in snapping up his services when the player does become available to sign.
Real Madrid, Manchester City and Chelsea are all clubs that have been named alongside Liverpool as potential suitors for the Dortmund wonderkid, so Jurgen Klopp and the powers at Anfield must do everything they can to bring Bellingham to Merseyside.
After missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni to Real Madrid earlier this year, the Reds must prepare for the reality that they will have a difficult challenge in tempting the 19-year-old World Cup headliner especially considering the current concerns at the club.
Not only have Liverpool suffered their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade, they also have mounting instability and upheaval happening behind the scenes with FSG ready to sell the club and more recently sporting director Julian Ward has resigned from his position with the six-time Champions League winners.
Bellingham could be the catalyst in Liverpool's efforts to rebuild and inspire a youth revolution at Anfield as the England midfielder has proved time and time again that he is a world-class player.
The £129m talent - who was once hailed "scary" by England teammate Jack Grealish - ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across Europe for dribbles competed and touches, also ranking in the top 10% for assists, non-penalty goals and progressive passes received.
Over 15 Bundesliga appearances so far, Bellingham has scored three goals, registered two assists and created four big chances, as well as averaging 1.1 key passes, 1.4 interceptions, 3.2 tackles and has won a whopping 9.2 duels per game, proving that he is an absolute nuisance for opponents both defensively and offensively.
With that being said, the signing of Bellingham would be a major coup for Liverpool but there is clearly a lot of work to be done before that can become a potential reality.