In a potential boost for Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, has hinted that Jude Bellingham may not join Real Madrid this summer.
Liverpool withdrew from the race to sign Bellingham in April due to the extortionate transfer fees involved, with Real Madrid emerging as frontrunners to sign him.
In turn, Jurgen Klopp has readjusted his focus to other midfield alternatives, with the German’s list of targets seemingly growing by the day.
However, the Reds could be given a second chance following comments from Kehl suggesting Bellingham may choose to stay in the Bundesliga for another season.
Bellingham to stay at Dortmund?
Bellingham has no release clause attached to his contract, meaning Dortmund hold all the cards when thrashing out a transfer fee.
Indeed, they will undoubtedly make negotiations difficult for Real Madrid, as the German giants seek to make as much money as possible off the 19-year-old playmaker.
Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports (quotes via Marca), Kehl explained: “There is no termination clause and he still has two years left on his contract. He is a player who has a value for us and whoever wants him will have to pay for it.
“There have been phases where I’ve had the feeling he’s leaving, others where I’ve thought he’s staying. The fight for him will intensify after the end of the season,” he added.
Kehl also revealed that the Bundesliga title race could be crucial to whether Bellingham leaves or not.
Just a point separates Dortmund and league leaders Bayern Munich in the division, with just two games to go until the end of the campaign.
“I don’t see us without a chance. Because I think that if, for example, if we come out on top over Bayern it will be a sign,” Kehl continued.
“We know Jude wants the title. He is totally focused and out of all the discussion about his future. Naturally I am in constant contact with his parents who come to the matches.
“We are calm as far as Bellingham is concerned, we are prepared for different scenarios. I have to be prepared for different scenarios.
“If he leaves, it will be possible for us to get a lot of money according to market prices. That is a variant in which we have found solutions [with other players] in the past.”
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