LIVERPOOL should be careful with their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham because he is a “big risk”, warns Dietmar Hamann.
The Reds are rivalling the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid for Bellingham’s signature.
But Liverpool hero Hamann is a bit apprehensive when it comes to the midfielder’s asking price, which costs at least £100million.
The former Germany international also suggested that the 19-year-old is yet to fully understand his position on the field despite some stunning displays for England at the World Cup.
The pundit added that he also lacks the ability and pace of club legend Steven Gerrard.
Hamann told talkSPORT: “I’d be careful with Bellingham right now.
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“He’s an exceptional talent, he showed that at the World Cup, but if Dortmund ask for £100m odd, £140-150m, it’s a big risk as well.
“I think with Bellingham he’s got to find a position. He models himself of Steven Gerrard but I don’t think he’s got the ability and pace going forward like Gerrard has.
“I think you need to wait and see where he finds his spot in the midfield two or midfield three in the future, and to pay £150m for an 18 or 19-year-old, I think it’s a big risk.”
Liverpool, however, may not have to worry too much about Bellingham’s asking price with recent reports suggesting there is a secret £60m clause in his contract.
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But the Merseysiders will be facing strong opposition from Real who are big admirers of the England international and are set to accelerate their bid to land him.
Liverpool have already successfully tackled the transfer market by winning another bidding war for Cody Gakpo.
And Hamann is all for that deal as he insists his former club “needed a player like him”.
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He added: “They have needed a player like him for the last few years. I don’t think they have enough of a goal threat from midfield.
“They are always a threat from set-pieces and that will be strengthened with his size and physicality…
“He is a great addition and I hope we see a lot of him in the next few weeks and months.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
