<\/p>\n
David Ornstein believes Borussia Dortmund can \u201ccommand\u201d a fee for Jude Bellingham that only \u201ca small number of clubs\u201d would be able to pay.<\/p>\n
Liverpool are believed to be leading the race to sign the England teenager, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City also interested.<\/p>\n
The Reds are in dire need of signing a new midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp expected to recruit in this position in 2023.<\/p>\n
Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast<\/em><\/a>, Ornstein has provided an update on the 19-year-old\u2019s future.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s probably the biggest name that\u2019s going to be talked about in the transfer market in the months ahead.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s [January] more likely, as ever, despite the unique circumstances, to be loans or deals set up for the summer.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was always clear that no decision would be made on his part during the World Cup, and now his World Cup involvement is over, it\u2019s natural that the clubs interested in signing him are going to intensify their efforts to do so.<\/p>\n \u201cThe price that Borussia Dortmund will be able to command if they decide to sell and if he decides that he wants to leave is going to be such that only a small number of clubs will be able to afford him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been widely reported and speculated that Liverpool are leading the race to sign him. And they do want to sign him.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u201cJurgen Klopp has, as we understand it, been leading that pursuit himself and his power within the Liverpool hierarchy has now increased with the news that Julian Ward, the sporting director, is going to be stepping down at the end of the season.<\/p>\n \u201cA number of other changes, including him [Klopp] signing a new contract, has really brought him to the fore, Ward\u2019s predecessor, Michael Edwards, leaving too.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, the feeling among other clubs who are interested in Bellingham, is that while Liverpool may be the early front runners, the situation is still open.<\/p>\n \u201cThat brings the like of Real Madrid to the fore. Maybe Manchester City too, who really like Jude Bellingham but don\u2019t think they\u2019re at the front of the queue. Chelsea also love him. Who is going to emerge as his most likely destination is yet to be decided.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t know if some of these clubs are going to qualify for the Champions League, we don\u2019t know how important that is to Jude Bellingham. I presume pretty importantly.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t know what Liverpool\u2019s financial situation is going to be because of them being for sale, and we said, Ward leaving at the end of the season. So much can change.<\/p>\n \u201cBellingham has a really strong setup around him, that is led by his family. They are lauded and praised by many people I speak to, and these people back them to make the right decision, and the best decision for his career. Which may be to stay at Borussia Dortmund.<\/p>\n \u201cDortmund would love to extend it [his contract], but we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n \u201cThe common conception is that it will be in excess of \u00a3100million, we don\u2019t know specifically at this point because it will be dictated by the market.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n On why Liverpool seem to be the natural fit for Bellingham, Adam Crafton said:<\/p>\n \u201cLiverpool are desperate for a new midfield and he\u2019s the best midfielder that is on the market.<\/p>\n \u201cIf I was selling something, am I going to spend \u00a3100-\u00a3150m from the business at that point? I don\u2019t know. Maybe that\u2019s what they\u2019ll do. I think that\u2019s a fair question to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately, this will be decided by the player\u2026 there are a load of clubs that will be after him.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ornstein added:<\/p>\n \u201cMany clubs, Chelsea for example, will see somebody like Bellingham as their potential statement signing.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to work like that with him, he\u2019s a really old head on young shoulders. He\u2019s very calm and considerate about his decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cHis parents are renowned for supporting him in the best possible way. In this case, they are going to make a calculated decision based on what will serve his career best, irrespective of what other clubs want or might try and push him into certain positions on.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Crafton was asked whether or not Jadon Sancho\u2019s move to Manchester United or Erling Haaland\u2019s move to Manchester City will influence his decision.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t expect Jude Bellingham to go to Manchester United,\u201d he replied. \u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s got anything to do with Jadon Sancho.<\/p>\n \u201cI think anyone that has looked at the market in the last ten years as a talented player will look at Manchester United with a little bit of trepidation. Unfortunately, that\u2019s the reality for them\u2026 That\u2019s the job of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United; to prove that it\u2019s a place again where players can go and not become worse.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ornstein does not know whether or not Bellingham will move in January, next summer, in 2024, or sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.<\/p>\n A transfer in 2023 seems the \u201cmost probable\u201d, but he won\u2019t have \u201cany issues\u201d staying at Dortmund.<\/p>\n Ornstein adds that a transfer will \u201cprobably\u201d will happen in 2023, but it is not a guarantee. Bellingham will only do \u201cwhat is absolutely right for him\u201d.<\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0Five players England and Southgate absolutely must build around to deliver Euro 2024 glory<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n
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