Liverpool’s task of signing Jude Bellingham may have become even more challenging with the news that Borussia Dortmund will use the sale of Benfica’s Enzo Fernández as a “benchmark” in any negotiations for their star midfielder, as Christian Falk exclusively revealed. to CaughtOffside in his last column. .
The Englishman’s contract will not expire until 2025, which should give the German side all the flexibility they need to secure a potentially record-breaking fee for the midfielder’s services this summer.
“We have already mentioned that in March there should be talks about Jude Bellingham,” the German journalist wrote.
“All the parties were very aware of the Enzo Fernández agreement; Certainly Dortmund now feel they have a proper reference point for Bellingham thanks to the Chelsea transfer.
“Now they say it won’t be cheaper. So Liverpool now know what they have to contribute – it should be no less than the transfer fee for Fernandez.
Regardless, the Merseysiders will, for the time being, not be deviating from their course given Jurgen Klopp’s clear admiration for the 19-year-old.
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Just how much of the Reds’ war chest will be required to fund such a move remains unclear amid behind-the-scenes uncertainty over a potential takeover, not to mention top-four football appears far from a guarantee as the club is still stuck. at the middle table.
Klopp’s men have found solutions when previously faced with the prospect of no top-flight European football next season, with the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams proving unlikely heroes, dragging the club kicking and screaming back. to the promised land.
That may be a bigger question this year as the team continues to rely on an injury-prone midfield amid defensive concerns and a lack of lethality up front.
