LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are crying out for a midfielder of Bellingham’s technical and physical attributes. As manager Jurgen Klopp prepares the club for their next phase of development, the whole midfield could be set for a revamp over the next few transfer windows. Due to injuries or adverse form, Klopp has had to tinker in midfield without seemingly finding the right combinations.
Not only have injuries prevented Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from getting a consistent run in the team, but the next generation of 21-year-old Curtis Jones and 19-year-old Harvey Elliott are yet to convince that their long-term future is in the centre of midfield. Then there’s the issue of how long veterans James Milner (36) and Jordan Henderson (32) can continue to cope with the intensity and dynamism required to get through 40-50 games a season. The only sure thing really is that Fabinho (28) will provide the anchor.
With all the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s current midfield, Bellingham’s athleticism (he hardly ever misses a game) and versatility would be perfect for Klopp, while he could potentially assume the playmaking duties of another injury-prone midfielder: Thiago Alcantara. But one question remains: how great an appetite would Bellingham have for joining a side that is a work in progress? He would be a central part of any team he joins, but at Anfield he might end up being shuffled around instead of slotting into a more settled role.
MANCHESTER CITY
The Manchester City midfield may seem to be a smooth and well-oiled machine, but there are still a few reasons why there’s reported interested in Bellingham from the blue side of Manchester. While the holding midfield role is well covered by Rodri and Kalvin Phillips, Guardiola’s tendency to leave room for roaming, interchanging of positions and creativity among the more advanced central attacking midfielders would suit Bellingham well. Indeed, the ex-Birmingham star’s versatility — his past ventures include as a wide midfielder and No. 10 — would likely have Pep Guardiola rubbing his hands in anticipation.
In addition, the long-term future of Bernardo Silva — with reported interest from both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain — might well become a topic in the summer again, while Ilkay Gundogan‘s current deal is set to expire in 2023. For a club that likes to plan ahead — fully in the knowledge that box-to-box midfielders of Bellingham’s quality, age and flexibility are rare — one would expect City to be on top of developments.
With the 19-year-old already building a good understanding with Phil Foden in the England side, and seeing how easily his former Dortmund teammate Erling Haaland has settled in at the Etihad, he won’t be short of voices talking up a move to the Etihad should City decide to pursue their interest.
