‘Liverpool is my preferred club’ – Dortmund chief drops huge claim over Jude Bellingham’s future

Jason Soutar
Reported Liverpool target Jude Bellingham celebrates his goal

Borussia Dortmund managing director Carsten Cramer has admitted Liverpool are his “preferred” transfer destination for Jude Bellingham.

There is a lot of interest in Bellingham with several top European clubs hoping to sign him in 2023.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are all believed to be keen.

The Reds are in dire need of midfield reinforcements next summer and have also been linked with RB Leipzig’s Konrad Laimer and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

Bellingham is expected to cost north of £100million, which would smash the Anfield club’s transfer record.

And with their owners, Fenway Sports Group, looking to sell the club, there are doubts over their willingness to splash so much cash on a player.

A move to City seems the most likely out of every English side, which would be a hugely unfair signing.

The Citizens could lose Ilkay Gundogan when his contract expires next summer, so Pep Guardiola may pursue the England teenager.

And City’s owners will have no qualms over meeting Dortmund’s asking price.

Having said that, Dortmund chief Cramer has been discussing Bellingham’s future, revealing that he has a good relationship with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – who spent seven years with the Bundesliga club.

Despite admitting that Liverpool would be his “preferred” English club for the 19-year-old midfielder to join, Cramer has told Klopp and co. not to expect any “gifts”.

“He has a contract,” he began. “I’m a salesperson regarding commercial business but not regarding the players’ business.

“We both are happy to have him on board, and the longer Jude will play for us, the better it will be.”

Cramer continued: “We have a high sympathy for Liverpool for sure.

“We are still in a good relationship with Jurgen and many others at Liverpool, so for me, it’s my preferred club in the EPL as well.

“But don’t expect that we will make gifts to Liverpool.”

Bellingham is currently in Qatar with the England national team.

The Three Lions secured top spot in Group B with a 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday evening.

Gareth Southgate’s side take on Senegal – without talisman Sadio Mane – in the last 16 on Sunday.

While Bellingham’s price tag will surely exceed £100m, Dortmund are eager to keep hold of the player for as long as possible.

Premier League leaders Arsenal have not been linked with a move for the generational talent, but their success this term could perhaps see them join the race.

Mikel Arteta has his players absolutely flying this term as they mount an unexpected title challenge alongside Manchester City.

Should they win the title, or even finish in the top three, they could be an appealing destination for Bellingham as Arteta builds a superb young squad bound to compete for many years to come.

Bellingham would link up with England teammates Benjamin White, Aaron Ramsdale, Emile Smith Rowe, and Bukayo Saka, as well as fellow youngsters William Saliba, Fabio Vieira, and Martin Odegaard, if he moves to the Emirates.

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