Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp didn’t have much to say today when asked about media speculation that the Merseyside club had pulled out of the race to sign Judd Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer. British media reported this week that Liverpool had ended their pursuit of the England international, who was the club’s main transfer target ahead of a major overhaul next season, after a disappointing run this season.
The Athletic said Dortmund had asked for 130 million pounds ($162.63 million) to sign the 19-year-old midfielder, who has scored 10 goals and seven assists in all competitions with the German club this season.
“There’s nothing to say about that to be honest,” Klopp told reporters. “If we’re not talking about players we like or not, why am I talking about these kinds of speculations? It’s not about Jude Blingham but I never understand why we’re talking about things we can’t theoretically have.” We can’t have six players in the summer, each worth 100 million euros, that’s obvious”.
The German coach added, “You have to realize what you can do and then work on it. How much money we have available and then we have to work with it… Everything we need and want we try in every way to get it, but there are moments where you have to accept the situation and withdraw.”
Liverpool, who ranks eighth in the league with 44 points from 29 matches, travels next Monday to Leeds United, the only team to beat them at Anfield in the league this season. After being held to a goalless draw with Chelsea and 2-2 at league leaders Arsenal, Klopp said his side were looking to carry on the momentum as they prepare for a “big battle” against 16th-placed Leeds at home.
“We must build on the two matches in good moments. We have nothing to lose. We have to try new things, and everything is on the table. I look forward to the match. Leeds will do its best. It will never be an easy match,” said Klopp, whose team is 12 points behind the Golden Square. . Winger Luis Diaz is likely to be available for the match after recovering from a knee injury.
