Would Jude Bellingham Signing Really Fix Liverpool’s Midfield Problems?

Jurgen Klopp had no choice but to admit he’d been wrong. Liverpool, on the guidance of their manager, focused on replenishing their attack this summer, but it quickly became apparent they should have reinforced their midfield after injuries to a number of key figures left the Reds light of options in the centre of the pitch. Klopp held his hands up.

“We are looking for it,” Klopp explained when asked whether Liverpool would sign a new midfielder in the final week of the window. If it is the right player, we need him. If it is not the right player, we don’t need him. That changed, of course. I know we have had this discussion since it all started and I am the one who said we don’t need a midfielder and you were all right and I was wrong. That’s the situation.”

In the end, Liverpool signed Arthur Melo on loan from Juventus, but the Brazilian is merely a stop-gap solution. Klopp seems increasingly aware that his team needs rebuilt in the centre of the pitch and Jude Bellingham is widely seen as the solution to Liverpool’s midfield problems. The England international is widely believed to be a long-term target for the Anfield club.

Bellingham is clearly an exceptional young talent. At just 19 years old, he is a key figure for Borussia Dortmund and is expected to be a first team player for England at the 2022 World Cup. It’s understandable that Liverpool would be interested in Bellingham who is mature beyond his years in his play and character. He is destined for the very top of the game.

Comparisons to Steven Gerrard have been made, further underlining the belief of Liverpool fans that Bellingham should make the move to Merseyside. Just like Gerrard, Bellingham plays with a lot of energy and has an eye for goal, frequently taking up dangerous positions on the edge of the opposition box.

At Dortmund, Bellingham most commonly plays as part of a double pivot while Liverpool tend to use a trio of players in the centre of the pitch. This might require some adaptation to Bellingham’s game, but it could also give Klopp the freedom to push another player further forward – Liverpool don’t have a midfielder that can cover as much ground as Bellingham.

Liverpool will have competition for the signing of Bellingham should they target him in a future transfer window. Manchester United have also been linked with the teenager and might have the financial resources to out-bid their historic rivals. Real Madrid are also believed to be admirers of the England international. Bellingham will have options.

But if Liverpool are willing to build around Bellingham, the 19-year-old might find Liverpool is his best option. Klopp knows his team needs a special player to reshape their midfield and Bellingham could be that figure. If Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder, Bellingham might be the one to offer them some much-needed evolution.