Why Bellingham could wait for Liverpool

Stuart Telford

• 17 Feb 2023 14:18 GMT
• 3 min read

Jude Bellingham is widely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, but the England midfielder could wait for his dream destination according to reports in Germany.

Bellingham has become one of the most in demand players in world football, a midfielder among the first names on Gareth Southgate's England teamsheet who has already led Borussia Dortmund out in the Champions League at the tender age of 19.

Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester City are understood to be at the front of the queue for the youngster, while Chelsea have also thrown their hat into the ring recently, but the Reds remain out in front - despite their dismal season - according to SportBild's Christian Falk.

READ: Liverpool now in pole position to sign Jude Bellingham

"The Premier League remains the first target for Jude Bellingham" he wrote in his CaughtOffside column. "I've always said Liverpool would be his preferred target but, of course, everyone knows that they're not doing too well at the moment.

"It's also a hope for Dortmund still that, if Liverpool aren't playing in Europe, there's the possibility of extending Bellingham's stay by a year. Dortmund has a good chance of winning the Bundesliga, it's very close. So there could be a chance that Bellingham waits for Liverpool."

Cards in Liverpool's hands

Liverpool are currently ninth in the Premier League, nine points off the Champions League places after enduring their worst season yet under Jurgen Klopp, but the Anfield club have a few things going for them ahead of the competition.

READ: 'Confused' - Bellingham put off Premier League club by transfer strategy

Like Man City and Chelsea, they are in Bellingham's native England, believed to be his preference with the family split between Birmingham and Dortmund as it stands. But unlike the other two, there are no concerns about the club's finances.

The Premier League recently charged City with more than 100 breaches of their financial regulations, while Chelsea are UEFA's watchlist for their new Financial Stability Rules after spending more than €600m on players since Todd Boehly replaced Roman Abramovich as owner.