Darren Bent has detailed a chat between himself and Jordan Henderson about Liverpool-linked midfielder Jude Bellingham, while also giving his opinion on how much the Dortmund star is worth.
Bellingham is only 19 years old but is already one of the first names on the team sheet for England. He scored in the 6-2 thrashing of Iran and is set to play a big role when England comes up against France in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Bellingham has been heavily linked with a Dortmund exit and his brilliant performances at the World Cup are only adding fuel to the fire.
In recent days Liverpool has been named as the main suitor for the dynamic midfielder. According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Jurgen Klopp is ‘insisting’ Liverpool pay whatever is needed to sign Bellingham.
Trusted German reporter Christian Falk says there is a ‘very, very good chance he will end up at Anfield. This is because Bellingham ‘would like to join Liverpool. However, Falk says the Reds must ‘bring the money if they are to beat Real Madrid to the monumental transfer.
According to German newspaper SportBILD, Liverpool chiefs have set aside £ 86.4 million (€100m) to bring Bellingham back to England. However, this falls significantly short of Dortmund’s asking price, which currently sits at a whopping £129.5m (€150m). It would be no surprise if Dortmund had increased their demands during the World Cup, given how well their prized asset has played.
One player who could be crucial in getting Bellingham to Liverpool is Reds skipper Henderson. He seems to have a great relationship with the former Birmingham City man.
Bent, who played with Henderson at Sunderland, has revealed he has messaged his former team-mate about Bellingham’s ability.
‘Incredible’ Jude Bellingham
And Henderson came back with a telling response that shows just how highly rated Bellingham is among the England squad.
“Bellingham’s incredible, he’s only 19 years old and plays with a kind of fearlessness, doesn’t he?” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“He can take the ball, go past people, create opportunities. He is an incredible talent.
“I like what he’s done. He went from Birmingham, nurtured his talents, and went to Borussia Dortmund, who have polished him off and made him into a world-beater.
“He could be one of the best midfielders in the world because he’s got all the attributes. He’s quick, he’s strong, he’s powerful, he can score a goal, and can see a pass.
“I messaged Hendo the other day and I said, ‘Jude Bellingham, what a player.
“All he messaged me back was, ‘You have no idea.’”
Bent was then asked to give his opinion on how much the wunderkind is worth in the current market. He replied: “£120m plus.”
Bellingham’s top performances at the World Cup have led to comparisons with England legend Wayne Rooney. The former striker burst onto the scene at Euro 2004 before sadly picking up a foot injury.
When asked if Bellingham was the best teenager to ever represent the Three Lions, Bent added: “Rooney at 16 was a freak.
“People forget how good Rooney was when he was a kid. At 18 in Euro 2004, he ran things before he got that injury.
“His performances at Euro 2004 have been better than Jude Bellingham’s at this tournament. People were saying we were going to win it before he didn’t get that injury.”
Meanwhile, a pundit believes a Liverpool star who will be out of contract next summer is completely undeserving of a new Anfield deal.
