Liverpool have pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham this summer.
The Reds’ need for a comprehensive rebuild this summer has been brought into sharp focus by a season,
That is certain to end in a failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Given that the fee to bring in Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund would cost up to £130million,
plus agent fees and wages on top,
Jurgen Klopp has been forced to abandon plans to sign him.
That leaves the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United to battle it out for the 19-year-old’s signature.
City are the new favourites to land the player following Liverpool’s withdrawal.
Liverpool are now considering alternative targets in the centre of the park,
With Chelsea and England midfielder Mason Mount chief among them.
No matter who arrives at Anfield, however, news of Liverpool conceding defeat in their pursuit of Bellingham is likely to go down poorly with supporters.
The perception has long existed that the teenager’s name has been used to quieten discontent over a lack of investment in recent seasons.
And the Reds’ failure to get his signing over the line will only add to the sense that this campaign has been lost to a needlessly delayed midfield surgery.
Klopp has made no secret of his admiration for Bellingham and lavished him with praise as recently as December.
“I don’t like to talk about money when you talk about a player like him. Everyone can see he is just exceptional,” he said.
Fans frustrated
Liverpool admitting defeat in their pursuit of Bellingham who has been their top target for so long .
It has triggered understandable anger and frustration among the fanbase.
The club’s owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has long been accused of not investing sufficiently in Klopp’s playing squad
And this will add more fuel to that fire.
Earlier this season,
Klopp admitted there are occasions when he would like to risk a bit more in the transfer market.
