Liverpool could be in line to sign their star target next summer, thanks to a top journalist revealing that the Reds are in pole position.
Fans may be still waiting on a new midfield signing before the window closes but Jude Bellingham is apparently the long-term target.
With injuries in midfield spanning up to four central midfielders, we’re still waiting to see if Liverpool move for anyone in the short-term, to at least help guide them through this sticky spell.
If not, perhaps the fans can look forward to a major signing next summer, which is seemingly in the works.
Liverpool can’t afford to just wait for Jude Bellingham. They’re currently not good enough to wait
They need to get on their database and tick boxes “Better than Henderson & Milner” & “Available to play more than Keita and Thiago”.
There’s bound to be a big list that appears.
— Ste Hoare (@stehoare) August 23, 2022
Latest reports on Bellingham
Bellingham, 19, has chosen to remain at Borussia Dortmund, at least for the time being.
With a World Cup on the horizon, another year out of the limelight of the English media may be just what he needs to develop and get in the right mindset ahead of a major tournament.
However, Liverpool seem to be targeting next summer as the time to strike for Bellingham, with some reports claiming the club has moved for him behind-the-scenes, with progress said to be positive.
In a Twitter conversation with a fan, Henry Winter, the chief Football writer for the Times Sport, was discussing Dele Alli before the topic of Bellingham came up.
He wrote: “I’m looking forward to seeing Bellingham at LFC next year, just hope Dele regains his drive wherever.”
Did Winter just confirm Bellingham to Liverpool? Perhaps he knows something we don’t…
Worried about your perspective if you think they are similar players, Jack. I’m looking forward to seeing Bellingham at LFC next year, just hope Dele regains his drive wherever.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 25, 2022
Bellingham is a monster (Statistically)
Speaking after a Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Jude Bellingham.
When asked about the central midfielder’s performance at his age, he said: “I can’t believe it, maybe he’s a liar (about his age)! He’s so good for 17 years old, he’s a fantastic player.
“There was one moment when he didn’t get the ball from central defenders, how he shouts and demands that ball to him at 17 means a lot.”
Guardiola added: “I spoke with his manager, Edin, and he told me what you see in these two games is like every training session.”
Bellingham is valued so highly for his age, his ability but also his matureness and versatility displayed at a young age.
We’ve seen him play in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, 3-4-1-2 and a 3-4-3 formation – playing different roles in midfield.
Jude Bellingham thinks people are too focused on stats nowadays 🗣 pic.twitter.com/QaeOYRWABm
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 23, 2021
His attacking and technical stats are up there with some of the best in midfield: he’s in the 96th percentile (and above) for assists per 90, dribbles completed, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.
Not only can he carry the ball up the pitch, but he also picks up clever positions between the lines.
Starting him as a defensive-minded midfielder is something he can do – after all, he ranks in the 88th percentile for blocks and averages 2.14 tackles and 1.51 interceptions per 90 showing he is a man who can do both.
Personally, his best position would be as a number eight in a three-man midfield but he’s also great in a two-man pivot.
Liverpool would be adding a true all-round player who would become the heartbeat of their team, should he join next summer – as predicted by Mr. Winter himself.
