EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Chelsea and Liverpool to battle for £100m rated Bellingham

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Teams across Europe have started preparing for their next season as the transfer activity starts to heat up. The newest star from the German team to garner interest from the top clubs of Europe is Jude Bellingham. And clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool are already after Bellingham.

Reports suggest that the English teenager has become top of the shopping list for many clubs in Europe. However, the Englishman will not come cheap.

Jude Bellingham had a meteoric rise in the world of Football. He started his career at his boyhood club Birmingham City. From there he was signed by Borussia Dortmund, fighting off competition from the likes of Manchester United.

HEY JUDE

Bellingham was quick to claim his place in the Dortmund team, fitting into their midfield. Injury to Dortmund midfielder Axel Witsel and a lacklustre performance from the other midfielders helped him to cement his position in the team.

Bellingham is an excellent midfielder, having tactical awareness and physical ability. In his debut season at Dortmund, he has already racked up 41 appearances. He has scored 3 and assisted a further 4 from his midfield position. His performance in the Champions League quarter-finals against Manchester City has gained him many admirers like Pep Guardiola.

“Maybe he is a liar, Maybe he is not 17 years old. I can’t believe that he is 17. 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.” – Pep Guardiola on Jude Bellingham.

As a midfielder, Bellingham is adept at playing at the #6 role. Recently he has shined at a more attacking #8 role, adding goals and assist to his tally. He also presses excellently and showcases maturity beyond his age. All this makes him an excellent prospect for any top club.

Chelsea and Liverpool in a transfer battle for Bellingham

Come this summer, it is sure that the Englishman will be a hot property. He is being eyed by the top Premier League clubs especially Chelsea and Liverpool.

Chelsea has been linked with a move for Declan Rice from West Ham United for the last two seasons. But now it is understood that the Blues have changed focus to Bellingham. The club has enough cover in the midfield but would love to add more depth and pace into it.

Liverpool on the other hand will be desperate to rejuvenate their midfield. With Georgino Wijnaldum likely to join Barcelona on a free transfer. Both Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are injured or out of form for most of the season. Thus bringing Bellingham could help in improving the squad.

One main concern for any team looking to bring in Bellingham would be his current contract. He is contracted till 2023 and Dortmund will not be in any hurry to sell him. This would mean that any move for Bellingham will come with a hefty price tag, which could be as much as £100 million.

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