Liverpool know what it feels like to be involved in a transfer saga and, with Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, they may be involved in another in the summer of 2022
Transfer sagas are part and parcel of football, especially in the modern game.
Sometimes they can be exhilarating as the club you love moves closer to signing a superstar or they can be heart-wrenching as you watch your favourite player leave for a rival.
Liverpool have been involved in some such episodes themselves, most notably Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona and Fernando Torres to Chelsea.
The saga of Virgil van Dijk was perhaps the most important one in the history of the club as his signing led to the Reds capturing the Champions League and Premier League titles.
Transfers happen every year, but it is rare a club signs a player who can truly change the fortunes of the squad.
This is usually why a saga unfolds – and it is exactly what Liverpool could be in store for as far as Jude Bellingham is concerned.
Bellingham is a player every club in world football would be thrilled to sign as he possesses everything that is needed in a midfielder.
Liverpool’s decision not to directly replace Gini Wijnaldum last summer makes you wonder if the Reds had a plan – like they often seem to do – and Bellingham may well be at the centre of it.
After moving to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, the youngster quickly became a key player for the German side with star performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
Aged just 18, Bellingham is only going to get better and, under the guidance of someone like Jurgen Klopp, the midfielder could go on to become one of the best in the world.
Transfers are usually kept well under wraps, but it is well known that the Englishman would cost a considerable amount of money – close to £90million is what has been mentioned in reports.
Liverpool’s draw at Chelsea on Sunday arguably proved the Reds need a refresh in the middle of the pitch, with Jordan Henderson the wrong side of 30 and James Milner coming to the end of his glittering career.
Bellingham looks as though he could be the answer to Liverpool’s troubles in midfield – much like Van Dijk was the answer to the problems the Reds had in defence.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this potential saga will be, but it is sure to be exciting.
