"Somebody they really have their eye on" - Michael Owen on reported Liverpool target

Pundit Michael Owen has recently spoken about Borussia Dortmund midfielder and reported Liverpool target Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old has been in some serious form this season. Bellingham has scored five goals and registered two assists in 14 appearances for Borussia Dortmund's first-team.

The England international has also averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.74 across four Champions League fixtures.

Owen believes that it is crucial Liverpool sign Bellingham due to the state of their ageing midfield.

He told Premier League Productions (09/10/22 at 1:15pm UK time) the following: “A huge concern in midfield. It has been a big concern for some while. Let’s go down that list.

“You can pick holes in every single player. (James) Milner is 36. End of story. He won’t be around for long. Jordan Henderson, the same. Name a game where he plays the full 90 minutes. Thiago gets injured a lot and is in his 30s.

“(Alex) Oxlade-Chamberlain. Injured a lot and he’s approaching 30. Fabinho is probably the one player where I say ‘yeh, nail your colours to that mast’. But he is performing averagely so far this season. (Naby) Keita is injury prone and question marks whether he’s good enough. Then Arthur (Melo) is on-loan and Curtis Jones is a youngster.

“Jude Bellingham is somebody they really have their eye on for next summer. But they’re not the only ones. The more he plays, the harder it will be to get him.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

We completely agree with Owen's take. It is pivotal that Liverpool land Bellingham next summer.

But, Owen does make a fair point. If Bellingham keeps on performing, he will have more suitors, which could make it more difficult for Liverpool to sign him.

The youngster is contracted until the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. So, Bellingham won't come cheap. The best players do cost a premium at the end of the day.

Only time will tell where the midfielder's long-term future lies.