Liverpool's 'strange' Bellingham response slammed as Reds 'lower expectations'
Troy Deeney claims that Liverpool ’s public declaration that they are pulling out of the race for Jude Bellingham is “strange” and the Reds are now trying to “lower expectations” ahead of another testing campaign.
Jurgen Klopp ’s men were strongly linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder as the German attempts to rebuild the side following a miserable season on Merseyside. Bellingham won’t be becoming a Liverpool player though.
The Reds have pulled out of the race for his signature after being left concerned with the price-tag that they will potentially have to pay. That leaves the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City in the fight to sign him.
However, Liverpool’s public declaration has left some confused including Troy Deeney who claims that the Reds weren’t a good fit for Bellingham anyway. Writing in a column for The Sun, the Birmingham City captain said: “It was a bit strange how Liverpool have let it be known that they won’t be signing Jude Bellingham this summer.
“Because there is only one club Bellingham has publicly stated he wants to play for in the future — and that is Birmingham City!”
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The striker added: “In the summer, if he does move, he will be looking around and asking, ‘What is the best project for me?’ And that wasn’t going to be the Reds, given that they are extremely unlikely to be playing Champions League football and they need an entire midfield overhaul.”
Troy Deeney has criticised Liverpool's decision over Jude Bellingham (Getty Images)Who should Liverpool sign ahead of next season? Make your suggestions by using the comments below
In the meantime, Liverpool have begun scouring around for potential cheaper alternatives to Bellingham. Chelsea pair Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher have both since been linked with summer moves to Anfield as the Blues attempt to abide by FFP guidelines.
Deeney has suggested that the duo would not get the Reds back on track and is expecting another difficult season for Klopp’s side next term. “As for Liverpool, it seems as if they are keen to sign Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. Now, they are two decent players and a lot younger than their current midfield, which clearly needs some refreshing.
“But those two are not players who would go to Anfield and change the whole mood of the club. They are more like younger versions of what Liverpool already have.
“Jude would have been that game-changer but I’m not sure he would ever have chosen them above Real, for instance. And now that Jurgen Klopp’s team won’t be among the European elite next season, that is even clearer.
“It feels like Liverpool are deliberately lowering the expectations of their supporters ahead of the summer transfer market because so many of those fans seemed convinced that Jude would be the player to revitalise their team.”
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