‘Mature’ Jude Bellingham a perfect fit for Liverpool - but why Jurgen Klopp could hinder deal

David James believes Jude Bellingham ‘fits the profile’ for to become a Liverpool midfielder in the future.

The midfielder ha established himself as of one Europe’s hottest prospect at Borussia Dortmund since his £20million move from Birmingham City in 2020.

Bellingham, 18, has gone from strength to strength in Germany and is also a regular for England despite his tender age.

Former Reds keeper James reckons Bellingham would fit in at Anfield seamlessly - but much a potential move may depend on Jurgen Klopp’s long-term future as manager.

Speaking to GGRecon, James said: “He fits the profile of a person that would suit Liverpool.

“When you look at what Liverpool have got and what they’ve got coming through and how things are set up then the only question that you’d have to ask if you’re Jude is how long is Jürgen Klopp going to be there?

“I imagine that would have an influence when it comes to him choosing his next club and the same can be said for Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel at Manchester City and Chelsea respectively as those two sides are reportedly interested too.”

‘I was taken aback’

Bellingham has been omnipresent this season as Dortmund sit second in the Bundesliga behind Bayern Munich.

He has started 20 of their 22 league games, recording up three goals and five assists.

What has shone through with Bellingham is a maturity years above his tender age, with the teenager influencing matches on a consistent basis.

James added: “I’ve only met Jude once and it was just before the Euros.

“I was taken aback by how mature he is as a person. He went to Borussia Dortmund during a pandemic and I know someone currently at the club and they think so highly of him.”

Carvalho and Saka in the summer?

Other fledgling talents Liverpool have been linked with include Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka and Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho.

The latter almost joined the Reds on January transfer deadline day but the deal collapsed at the 11th hour.

On whether Liverpool are likely to go back for Carvalho, James said: “Yes, definitely.

“I think it’s public knowledge that Fulham allowed him to leave on deadline day at around 19.00 in the evening and, due to the transfer system the EFL have, Liverpool didn’t have the time to get the deal over the line.

“I don’t see any reason why he won’t be at Liverpool next season. Carvalho’s a young, prodigious talent and would suit the conveyor belt of young talent currently at Liverpool.”

However, James isn’t so sure that Sako will follow in Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s footsteps and swap the Emirates for Anfield.

He said: “If [Mikel] Arteta begins to show that Arsenal can be successful, then Saka will have no reason to leave.” James added.

“Liverpool have a different makeup to what’s there at Arsenal. If he’s happy at Arsenal and he can see what Arteta wants to do then I don’t see him leaving.

“He’s in an Arsenal team full of potential, but if that potential isn’t to be fulfilled in the next year or so, then I’m sure someone of Saka’s talent will desire success.”

Diaz ‘different gravy’

Luis Diaz has racked up 154 minutes since his £37million move from Porto -and has already caught the eye of James.

“Díaz is different gravy,” said the ex-Portsmouth and Aston Villa stopper.

“Tottenham were interested in him first of all, so I did a little scout report on him for myself, which is something I tend to do from time to time.

“What Liverpool are seemingly doing is bringing in top class, younger players. They’re already in the process of replenishing what they’ve already got and they’re a top class team.

“In Díaz’s first game against Cardiff, some of the things he was doing were brilliant and he just fitted in straight away.

“He will be knocking on the door for a place in any of those three attacking roles in the Liverpool starting eleven. He’s been absolutely top drawer.”