Transfer Talk: Liverpool and Los Blancos lead Bellingham race

Although England’s World Cup tilt ended in heartache, Qatar 2022 was a landmark success for Jude Bellingham.

Already possessing a reputation as one of world football’s most exciting talents heading into the tournament, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder shone at the heart of a Three Lions side that roared to the quarter-finals.

With a scramble now set to ensue for the 19-year-old’s signature over the coming weeks and months, we take a closer look at what the future holds at club level for the teen sensation.

Fever pitch

Bellingham’s performances in Qatar have seen his stock within the footballing world soar to an all-time high.

The ex-Birmingham prospect had already set tongues wagging with his Bundesliga and Champions League exploits for BVB this term, expertly dictating the play at the heart of the German giants’ engine room.

Boss Edin Terzic has even handed his No22 the captain’s armband on two occasions, showcasing he possesses a maturity far beyond his years to match his outstanding talent.

Understandably, England fans had spent this season drooling at the prospect of Bellingham replicating those achievements on the international stage this winter.

The youngster did not disappoint.

He netted his first Three Lions goal in the opening rout of Iran, was hugely influential in the walloping of Wales and ran rings around Senegal in the last 16. 

Even in England’s heartbreaking defeat to France, the dynamic talent had more shots, won more tackles and regained possession more than any other central midfielder on the pitch. 

High praise

Pundits and playing colleagues wasted little time heaping praise on Bellingham for his showings in Qatar.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane waxed lyrical, saying: "I’ve not seen a young midfielder play like that for years. Normally you see one do it at 26, 27 years of age.

"We talk about what goes on in his brain, he’s like a man. That maturity, what’s going on upstairs is huge for a midfielder, decision-making, final pass. The kid has everything."

And after a dominant display against Senegal, Manchester City maestro Phil Foden said: "I don’t want to big Jude up because he’s still young but he’s one of the most gifted players I’ve ever seen. 

"I don’t see any weaknesses in his game, I think he’s got everything and I’m sure he’s going to be the best midfielder in the world."

Anfield interest

It should come as little surprise, then, that Europe’s biggest clubs are significantly stepping up their interest in the English ace.

Front of the queue are said to be Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp supposedly a huge admirer of the Stourbridge-born starlet.

The 55-year-old German has long been looking to beef up his ageing midfield and Bellingham’s rounded skill-set makes him the optimum addition either in January or next summer. 

Adding in Klopp’s previous connections to Dortmund and the fantastic relationship the youngster has struck up with Reds club captain Jordan Henderson, a switch to Merseyside makes plenty of sense.

Bellingham insisted that the English media "put some respect" on Henderson’s name after he netted at the World Cup, with the pair celebrating vociferously together after the 32-year-old’s strike.

Perhaps the Premier League and Champions League winner can be the perfect mentor throughout the formative years of his England colleague’s career.

Madrid in the mix

Liverpool are unlikely to get a clear run at signing Bellingham though, with their Champions League conquerors from last season, Real Madrid, also taking a leading interest.

Prior to the World Cup, it was believed that Los Blancos had cooled their interest in the Dortmund whizz due to the array of youthful talents already in their possession.

Federico Valverde (24), Aurelien Tchouameni (22) and Eduardo Camavinga (20) appear to be a trio capable of carrying the Spanish giants’ midfield for the decade ahead — but the picture appears to have changed.

Bellingham’s World Cup performances were seemingly too good to ignore, with fresh reports suggesting the Bernabeu outfit are ready to test Dortmund's resolve with a bid next summer.

It would surely be tough for Bellingham to resist the allure of becoming a global megastar in the Spanish capital.

Options open

The list of Bellingham’s admirers does not end there, with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea also keeping a close eye on his situation.

Earlier this season, prior to facing City in the Champions League, the man himself was remaining extremely coy on his future.

Bellingham said: "First of all, I'm here to help Borussia Dortmund win the game. If I can play well and showcase my talents, it is a bonus.

"The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. 

"To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful. It's not something I am thinking about, to be honest."

Those comments are a mark of the man, but with Dortmund's reputation for selling their valuable assets when the price is right, his next destination is not a topic that can be ignored for much longer.