Jude Bellingham: Jordan Henderson backs ‘amazing’ Liverpool bid despite admitting to big transfer ‘but’
Jordan Henderson has said it would be “amazing” if Liverpool were to be the “lucky club” that will sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund – though the Liverpool captain has admitted there is a “but” as to whether his compatriot will make the move to Anfield.
Bellingham will be one of the most in-demand players in the upcoming summer transfer window. He has developed exponentially in the Bundesliga over the past three seasons, becoming a player of Champions League pedigree and international status with England.
During the March international break, Bellingham started both of England’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
By the time he next represents his country, Bellingham might be ready to return to its shores at club level. While England will be preparing for their next fixtures in June, the 19-year-old could be the subject of a Premier League transfer.
Anyone would want to sign a player of his calibre, but Liverpool are one of the main admirers. They need to strengthen in the midfield department where Henderson and others currently roam.
The likes of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be leaving on free transfers. Therefore, Liverpool could use this opportunity to make a serious push for Bellingham as an upgrade on the departing duo.
And for club captain Henderson, the prospect of linking up with Bellingham at club level is an “amazing” one.
That said, 32-year-old has conceded any move must be the right one for Bellingham, who will have many more admirers.
Henderson wants the best for ‘really special’ Jude Bellingham
Henderson said: “He’s doing really well at Dortmund. Dortmund is a really good club, playing Champions League all the time, week in week out, that’s really helped him.
“I’m sure he’ll sit down with his family and in the future to decide what route he wants to take. Whatever route that is or whatever club that is, that will be a lucky club to have him.
“His potential is through the roof, really. He can be as good as he wants to be.
“But he’s got the right mentality, which is the most important thing. He’s really special and I can’t believe his age and his mentality, how he applies himself to training and the games – everything.
“I’ve never seen it before so I’m pretty confident he’ll be a pretty good player for many years to come!
“I’ve said it before: we just need to be careful not to apply too much pressure on him but just let him play football. When you do that, you can see what he does for Dortmund and when he comes here for England. Every time he puts on an England shirt he grows and is getting better and better.
“There are things he can improve on but the platform and the basis he has got he can go as high as he wants to. I just want him to be the best player he can be.
“If it ended up being Liverpool that would be amazing. But it’s got to be right for him. Every club you can think will want him.”
Indeed, it won’t just be clubs in England who are after Bellingham. Real Madrid have been tipped to offer him a route to La Liga, for instance.
Hence, there is plenty of competition for Liverpool, who will be keeping their hopes up regardless – even with their qualification for the Champions League next season in doubt.
