By Dan Clubbe
Liverpool’s lengthy and well-publicised pursuit of Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham looks set to reach its conclusion one way or another this summer.
The 19-year-old midfielder has attracted growing interest and admiration from around the footballing landscape, unfortunately for the Reds’ sake, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea also appear to have paid full attention to his talents.
Whilst speculation remains rife as to exactly where Bellingham will end up this summer, reliable journalist David Ornstein caused a stir this week when his report for The Athletic suggested that Liverpool were ‘increasingly unlikely’ to sign the Englishman due to an unwillingness to enter a bidding war.
Albeit reports since have suggested the Anfield club do remain in the running, it remains to be seen whether the Reds can stump up the cash required and indeed whether the teen will choose Merseyside and possibly a year without Champions League action as the ideal destination.
As such, with a heavy heart and with remaining optimism that Bellingham will indeed become a Liverpool player, I have looked at the possible alternatives should this dream move fail to come to fruition…
THE TIRESOME BELLINGHAM SAGA CONTINUES | Redmen Originals Liverpool Podcast
Enzo Le Fee
Recently a report from Football Transfers linked Enzo Le Fee with a move to L4 and although the 23-year-old Frenchman is enjoying a superb campaign in Ligue 1 for FC Lorient – scoring four times and providing five assists in 28 league outings – at a diminutive 5 foot 6, the attacking midfielder lacks in the physicality required and would instead add to the plethora of similar options at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal alongside Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones.
Ultimately, although Le Fee ranks closest to Bellingham when comparing attributes (Fbref), the €12million valued star doesn’t appear to be the answer to Liverpool’s significant midfield issues.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
One often linked with a switch to the Premier League, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has proven himself to be a high-level operator time and time again during his 330 appearances for Lazio.
During his time with the Italian club, the Serbia international has amassed 64 goals and 59 assists, proof of an unerring ability to impact matches and possibly evidence of why the Reds should be pushing to make this deal happen as suggested by Calciomercato.
However, despite also ranking among the players most like Bellingham in terms of attributes, holding a €60million market value at 28 years old, this isn’t a deal for the long-term for the Reds and albeit a requirement for instant resolutions is obvious, Liverpool simply wouldn’t be cutting their cloth accordingly by pursuing this possibility.
Gavi
Undoubtedly one of the finest talents in Europe right now, Gavi would represent an outstanding piece of business for whoever can prize him away from Barcelona amidst the ongoing contract dispute.
Capped 17 times by Spain despite his tender years, the technically gifted midfielder has already made 84 appearances for the Catalan giants.
A product of the famed La Masia academy, Gavi has been hailed as a ‘competitive animal’ by Sergio Busquets and can operate efficiently in both the attacking and defensive departments, making him perhaps the closest match to Bellingham in terms of age profile, ability, potential and what he offers a side.
Given the levels of uncertainty surrounding the 18-year-old’s future at the Camp Nou, this is a deal that Liverpool must be giving serious consideration towards.
Liverpool’s Interest In GAVI EXPLAINED!
Stanislav Lobotka
Another potential option from Italy now as according to Calciomercato again, Liverpool could also consider a move for Napoli ace and familiar foe, Stanislav Lobotka.
Also 28, the Slovakian is in his prime and has played 27 times this season for the runaway Serie A leaders, earning an impressive 7.09 Sofascore rating in the process – winning 2.3 tackles on average per 90 minutes.
Predominantly operating as a defensive midfielder, the Naples-based star would be more suited to replacing Fabinho as opposed to reinventing Klopp’s midfield.
Nicolo Barella
Like Lobotko, Nicolo Barella is well-known to Liverpool fans, having starred in the Champions League in recent years.
A 26-year-old midfield maestro, the 42-cap Italy star has enjoyed a trophy-laden career at domestic and international level following a move from Cagliari.
Valued at €70million and under contract until 2026 (Transfermarkt), Barella is unlikely to come cheap for FSG and given he remains one of the prized possessions at Inter, it seems as though this is a deal that would cost an almost equal amount to Bellingham and as such, there is little doubt as to the better option.
Gabri Veiga
Second to only former Liverpool forward Iago Aspas as Celta Vigo’s best player in 2022/23, Gabri Veiga has been linked to the Reds by ESPN recently.
Aged just 20, the talented Spaniard has nine goals and three assists in 25 La Liga outings this term, both whilst operating as an attacking midfielder as well as a central midfielder.
With ESPN also claiming that Newcastle United, Leeds United, AC Milan and Napoli are ‘closely following Veiga’s progress’, the Reds won’t find any pursuit easy but out of the possible options thus far it remains wholly plausible that Veiga is a viable option for the summer.
Mason Mount
Among the most popular and reported-on options, with 128 top-flight outings already under his belt, Mason Mount is Premier League proven and would prove an instant option in Klopp’s squad.
Despite not being as physically commanding as Bellingham, the Englishman has an abundance of endeavour and energy that would lend itself nicely to Liverpool’s style.
Already a proven winner during his time with Chelsea, the 24-year-old has a combined 70 direct goal contributions in 192 outings for the London club.
With contract negotiations seemingly at a standstill at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool could well swoop for the €65million valued man and whilst Bellingham would remain a preference to most if not all of the Anfield faithful, it would be a welcome boost.
Declan Rice
Perennially linked with a move away from West Ham, Declan Rice seems almost certain to leave the London Stadium this summer and Liverpool are one of the contenders to land the 24-year-old England bulwark.
Once labelled with a £150million price tag by manager David Moyes, the combative midfielder won’t be cheap for the Anfield club but given his fast approaching final 12 months of a deal in east London, it’s unlikely that the capital club will be able to demand a premium.
A key figure in for England – alongside Bellingham – Rice’s all-around ability to shore up a defence and move forwards in possession make him a genuine option should Liverpool’s priority target move elsewhere.
Standing above 6 foot tall, Rice certainly possesses the physical attributes to slot into Liverpool’s midfield whether it be a three or a double pivot – a role he has become accustomed to playing next to Tomas Soucek.
Redmen Opinion
Whatever comes of this summer, for many – including myself – it remains Bellingham or bust!
However, along with the cited options here, and others such as Matheus Nunes, Moises Caicedo, Joao Palhinha, Ruben Neves and others, there are some high-quality operators who would all bolster Klopp’s midfield department.
That being said, given the transformational nature a signing of the tour de force that Bellingham can provide, for Liverpool and the current plight, there truly remains no equal alternative.
