The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently reported that Liverpool are increasingly unlikely to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer
However, the journalist has now clarified his position on the potential transfer on the FIVE YouTube channel.
“Well, it’s good to have a proper opportunity to explain it,” Ornstein said. “Because when you’re dealing with the reaction on social media, it’s often quite binary, black or white – you’re either signing someone or not, celebration or commiseration.”
“The Jude Bellingham situation has long been well documented in the fact that almost every major club in the world would love to sign Jude Bellingham.” To be honest, Liverpool has been heavily linked with him in recent months, if not years. He’s a player who clearly Jurgen Klopp and the club adore, as does the fanbase, and with good reason.
“And then, recently, Real Madrid and Manchester City have come to the fore to present to the outside world as if it’s a three-way battle.”
“There is some uncertainty surrounding Manchester United; for example, if their takeover allows them more financial resources, is it a player they would pursue?” With the emphasis we discussed on the striker and the need to comply with financial fair play, I wouldn’t put them in the same category right now. Chelsea would have obviously been in that bracket; whether Jude Bellingham would have wanted to go there or not is unknown. However, I believe that by signing Enzo Fernandez, their need to sign Jude Bellingham has become less pressing.
“That’s where I’m going to pick up the answer because a lot of people have asked, ‘what’s the news here, how has it changed?’ since we published that on The Athletic.” ‘Liverpool would have known it was going to be really expensive,’ says one. ‘Why are financial considerations more important now than they were previously?’
“Let’s go with that. Enzo Fernandez signed for Chelsea for 121 million Euros in the same position, with less experience than Jude Bellingham in terms of European appearances, despite winning the World Cup with Argentina. Excuse the market, but the supply and demand for top-level number six and number eights do not currently marry. There is significantly more demand from
“It puts Borussia Dortmund in an excellent position.” They already had him under contract until 2025, and there is no release clause in there that we are aware of. They would gladly give him a new contract, and he appears to be content there. He’s only 19 years old, so whoever manages to lure him away from the Bundesliga will have to pay a high price.
“We reported on The Athletic a while ago that Dortmund wants around 150 million euros.” There has always been the belief that 120 will do it. We don’t know because there is no firm price and the process isn’t yet at the point where clubs are engaging in detailed negotiations with Dortmund. Perhaps there have been some conversations, perhaps there has been some dialogue with Jude Bellingham’s camp, which is run by his father, and his parents have meticulously planned out his career thus far.
“As things stand, my information is that Liverpool’s pursuit or chances of signing him this summer are looking increasingly unlikely due to the finances involved for the reasons stated, as well as the financial power of their rivals.”
“Manchester City are very interested in Jude Bellingham.” Ilkay Gundogan appears to be on his way out; they are always looking for top-tier players. Bellingham and Haaland have previously played together. Real Madrid are regenerating their midfield, whether Kroos and Modric leave this summer or later. They’ve already signed Tchouameni and are in the process of negotiating a new contract with Camavinga. And when Real Madrid wants a player, they usually get it.
“The same questions apply: will they go to the required level?” I believe it will come down to the budget for Liverpool, as it probably will for everyone else, and that is what we are still trying to figure out. Are FSG, Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool’s owners, willing to go where they’ve never gone before if it’s 150 million Euros, which would potentially double their transfer record for one player? And Liverpool are considering a variety of scenarios for a variety of different positions, as well as a variety of different options to strengthen their squad.
“That will be a big question for them.” ‘Do we just focus on Jude Bellingham and throw all the resources at him?’, ‘or can we find a scenario where we go for him and we take on other players?’. ‘Or do we just concentrate on other players?’, and Mason Mount and Matheus Nunes are mentioned. I don’t want to imply that Liverpool’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham is over. The country’s admiration for him is palpable, as we stated in our reports; they want to sign him, but no firm decisions have been made.
“At the moment, what we’re reporting is that there aren’t many favorites for Jude Bellingham, because I genuinely believe this race is open.” However, there are a couple of clubs that are in slightly better positions right now, and that could change depending on a variety of factors.
“He’s taken to the situation like a duck to water.” He’s doing well; he doesn’t appear to be bothered physically, mentally, intellectually, tactically, or technically. He’s an absolute prime specimen for club and country; he’s only going one way, and wherever he ends up, I guess we should all wish him nothing but the best and complete support.”
According to Ornstein, Liverpool is still interested in Bellingham.
Although The Athletic reported that Liverpool had dropped out of contention to sign Bellingham this summer, this update suggests that this is not necessarily the case.
Instead, while City and Madrid may be in a better position right now due to their financial clout, the Reds remain one of the three favorite contenders.
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