David Ornstein believes Borussia Dortmund can “command” a fee for Jude Bellingham that only “a small number of clubs” would be able to pay.
Liverpool are believed to be leading the race to sign the England teenager, with Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City also interested.
The Reds are in dire need of signing a new midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp expected to recruit in this position in 2023.
Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, Ornstein has provided an update on the 19-year-old’s future.
“He’s probably the biggest name that’s going to be talked about in the transfer market in the months ahead.
“It’s [January] more likely, as ever, despite the unique circumstances, to be loans or deals set up for the summer.
“It 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’s natural that the clubs interested in signing him are going to intensify their efforts to do so.
“The 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.
“It’s been widely reported and speculated that Liverpool are leading the race to sign him. And they do want to sign him.
“Jurgen 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.
“A number of other changes, including him [Klopp] signing a new contract, has really brought him to the fore, Ward’s predecessor, Michael Edwards, leaving too.
“But, 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.
“That brings the like of Real Madrid to the fore. Maybe Manchester City too, who really like Jude Bellingham but don’t think they’re 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.
“We don’t know if some of these clubs are going to qualify for the Champions League, we don’t know how important that is to Jude Bellingham. I presume pretty importantly.
“We don’t know what Liverpool’s 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.
“Bellingham 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.
“Dortmund would love to extend it [his contract], but we’ll see.
“The common conception is that it will be in excess of £100million, we don’t know specifically at this point because it will be dictated by the market.”
On why Liverpool seem to be the natural fit for Bellingham, Adam Crafton said:
“Liverpool are desperate for a new midfield and he’s the best midfielder that is on the market.
“If I was selling something, am I going to spend £100-£150m from the business at that point? I don’t know. Maybe that’s what they’ll do. I think that’s a fair question to ask.
“Ultimately, this will be decided by the player… there are a load of clubs that will be after him.”
Ornstein added:
“Many clubs, Chelsea for example, will see somebody like Bellingham as their potential statement signing.
“I don’t think it’s going to work like that with him, he’s a really old head on young shoulders. He’s very calm and considerate about his decisions.
“His 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.”
Crafton was asked whether or not Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United or Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City will influence his decision.
“I don’t expect Jude Bellingham to go to Manchester United,” he replied. “I don’t know if that’s got anything to do with Jadon Sancho.
“I 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’s the reality for them… That’s the job of Erik ten Hag at Manchester United; to prove that it’s a place again where players can go and not become worse.”
Ornstein does not know whether or not Bellingham will move in January, next summer, in 2024, or sign a new contract with Borussia Dortmund.
A transfer in 2023 seems the “most probable”, but he won’t have “any issues” staying at Dortmund.
Ornstein adds that a transfer will “probably” will happen in 2023, but it is not a guarantee. Bellingham will only do “what is absolutely right for him”.
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