BREAKING: Liverpool ‘close to sensational signing’ after deal agreed – Whelan
Liverpool ‘close to sensational signing’ after source’s update in last 24 hrs – pundit
Liverpool are “closing in on the sensational signing” of Jude Bellingham after their deadline-day capture of Arthur Melo.
That is the verdict of ex-Premier League striker Noel Whelan after Jurgen Klopp’s team announced one hour before the window shut on Thursday night they have agreed to sign the midfielder, 26, on loan from Juventus.
Whelan is convinced that the temporary capture of Arthur is proof the Merseyside giants are laying the groundwork for the game-changing signing of Bellingham next year.
Football Insider revealed on Saturday (27 August) that Liverpool are making progress on landing Bellingham following extensive behind-the-scenes talks, although he would not join before January at the earliest.
Borussia Dortmund made it clear they would not sell their prize asset this summer after being approached earlier in the window.
Klopp changed his mind on signing a midfielder following Liverpool’s below-par start to the season and a series of injuries hitting his senior stars.
Football Insider reported on Friday (2 September), via our sources, that the Arthur deal includes a buy option set at £32.5m, which comes into effect at the end of the season, as well as a loan fee of £4m.
“It suggests to me that Liverpool are closing in on what would be the sensational signing of Jude Bellingham,” the ex-Leeds star told Football Insider.
“Arthur is a good player, and he was available after losing his place at Juventus, but he is not the long-term answer for Klopp.
“It’s a temporary deal to tide him over until he gets the midfielder he really want, which is obviously Bellingham.
“It’s clear Liverpool need a dynamic young midfielder who can replace Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago [Alcantara], who have all been great players for them.
Liverpool
“Bellingham fits the bill perfectly. He is already a top-class player and he will get even better as he becomes more experienced.
“I’m expecting to see him in a Liverpool shirt at some point next year”.
