Real Madrid and Liverpool are believed to be the two frontrunners in the race to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund next summer. There have been conflicting reports in the media about the transfer situation, with some outlets claiming that Los Blancos are in the lead while others have claimed that the Reds are ahead.
It will be interesting to see how things unfold in the race to sign Bellingham but it is safe to say that signing him would be considered as a major coup for any club in the world right now.
At just 19 years of age, Bellingham has established himself as one of the very best players in the Bundesliga, captained a historic club like Borussia Dortmund and was also arguably the Three Lions’ best player at the World Cup.
Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, seems to have been very impressed with what he has seen from Bellingham, hailing the youngster as ‘exceptional’ although he was not keen to comment on the money side of things. As reported by Sky Sports, the German boss said:
"“I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional.“If you mention to someone who has no clue about football, or who knows about football and has not watched it for a while (and ask) ‘How old do you think Jude Bellingham is?’, I don’t think anyone would get even close to his age.“They would say 28 or 29 because he plays so maturely. He played an exceptional World Cup. Absolutely exceptional.“With all the things he has and things he can improve, to describe him I would say the things he can do are difficult to learn, and the things he can improve are easy to learn.“So, yes, he is a really good player. What can I say? I have thought that already for two or three years since he had his breakthrough at Dortmund.“Everybody knew already but I have no idea what that means for the money side of it.“I really think if we all want to do him a favour then we do not talk too much about money. I mean that from an England point of view. Do not throw any hurdles in his development.”"
Klopp makes Bellingham claim amid transfer links with both Real Madrid and Liverpool
Of course, Real Madrid and Liverpool are not the only clubs to be linked with Bellingham. Manchester City are believed to be in the race to sign him as well while Chelsea and Manchester United could try to swoop in too.
It is not hard to see that Bellingham is a once in a generation talent and if he can develop like he is expected to, he can be the best midfielder of his era.
It remains to be seen if Real Madrid end up making a proper push to sign him or not. It might take a transfer fee as high as €150 million to sign the English midfielder from Borussia Dortmund next summer.