Liverpool Ready to Commit €180 Million to Fix 2023 Jude Bellingham Transfer Snub

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to shatter their transfer record with a staggering €180 million bid for Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, aiming to rectify missing out on the England star in 2023[3][4]. The Premier League champions, under manager Xabi Alonso (or Arne Slot in some reports), view the 22-year-old as the ideal midfield reinforcement following heavy summer spending on players like Alexander Isak (€125m), Florian Wirtz (€116m), and Hugo Ekitike (€69m)[4].

Back in 2023, Bellingham was Liverpool's top target from Borussia Dortmund, with Jürgen Klopp pushing hard amid interest from Manchester City, PSG, and others. Dortmund anticipated a €100m-€150m exit, but Bellingham opted for Real Madrid in a €103m deal, snubbing the Reds despite their priority status[1][2][6]. Since joining Madrid, the Birmingham City academy product has excelled, scoring 43 goals and providing 32 assists in 122-123 appearances, helping win La Liga, Champions League, Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Intercontinental Cup[2][3][4].

Now, Spanish media claim Liverpool's offer—equivalent to about £156m—would eclipse their record set by Isak, signaling intent to reclaim dominance[3][4]. However, Real Madrid deem Bellingham "untouchable," integral to their project with a contract until 2029[4]. Pundits like Gary Neville hail him as "world-class," but experts doubt the feasibility, noting Madrid's reluctance and Liverpool's priorities in centre-back and winger positions[3].

Bellingham, yet to play Premier League football (only Championship with Birmingham), once downplayed a top-flight move, expressing desire to stay at the Bernabéu for 10-15 years[2]. Despite his England success (46 caps, 6 goals; Euros runner-up, World Cup quarters), a Liverpool switch remains a "mouthwatering but unlikely" dream[3].

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