Jobe Bellingham price set amid Liverpool ‘interest’ as Thomas Tuchel U-turn talks collapse

Liverpool has previously been credited with interest in Jobe Bellingham, and Borussia Dortmund has now learned the price. Thomas Tuchel’s future is clearer.

Liverpool will be losing Jürgen Klopp this summer. But it looked for a while as though he might be one of the few managers not U-turning on previous decisions to leave, with Thomas Tuchel admitting ‘talks’ to become the latest.

Previously, by far the most notable frame of reference for such a volte-face was Sir Alex Ferguson. But now, in the space of one summer, it’s happened at Barcelona and been discussed at Bayern Munich, two of Europe’s biggest clubs. But while Xavi has confirmed he will stay, Tuchel now looks unlikely to follow suit.

Klopp made it clear right from the start that there is no prospect of a change of heart. As such, Liverpool is full steam ahead with planning for the Arne Slot era.

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Transfer strategy will now be led by the team put together by Michael Edwards, who has appointed Richard Hughes as sporting director. Here, Liverpool.com takes a scan around the Premier League and across the continent to see what’s going on at Liverpool’s rivals, with a price for Jobe Bellingham named.

Thomas Tuchel U-turn collapses after ‘conditions’ set

Bayern Munich narrowly missed out on a place in the Champions League final at Wembley, imploding against Real Madrid to fall just short. That confirmed a trophy-less season for Thomas Tuchel, just about the worst thing you can deliver at the Allianz Arena.

Nevertheless, there were attempts to rebuild bridges. Having announced previously there would be a parting of the ways in the summer, talks took place over Tuchel continuing in his role. But perhaps sensing some leverage, the former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund boss laid down some ‘conditions’ before agreeing to make a U-turn.

According to the Independent, he reiterated his long-standing desire for a world-class number six to be signed. Bayern Munich was close to landing João Palhinha in the summer, only for the move to fall through.

Tuchel was also keen to add an elite playmaker. Having enjoyed some success in signing Harry Kane, he once again wanted to look to aging Premier League talent, with Bruno Fernandes on the radar.

But at today’s press conference, Tuchel confirmed it would be his last. Acknowledging that talks had taken place, he stated that no agreement has been reached, and he will be leaving as planned.

Liverpool.com says: In truth, placating Tuchel was probably always the best thing Bayern Munich could have tried to do, and this failure will sting. It might have been different if Xabi Alonso was available, but even then, Bayern is ahead of Bayer Leverkusen on the underlying numbers, where it shows up as one of the best teams in Europe.

Essentially, it’s just been an all-time unlucky season for Bayern Munich, which in normal circumstances would certainly have won at least one trophy based on its levels of performance. Perhaps that Kane curse is real after all.

On the other hand, this friction between Tuchel and the board seems to emerge at just about every club he manages. It’s not hard to see why Liverpool decided to steer clear, despite his impressive track record, and maybe Bayern Munich will benefit from finding someone for a longer-term project.

Liverpool learns Jobe Bellingham price as Borussia Dortmund lurks

It’s been a while since Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Bellingham were all mentioned together, so let’s roll it back. This time, though, it’s younger brother Jobe who will be the center of transfer attention this summer.

According to Football Insider, Sunderland will demand a total package worth up to $15m (£12m/€14m). Two-thirds of that would be an up-front payment, with the remainder structured as add-ons.

Liverpool.com says: At first glance, that seems like quite a steep price to pay for a teenager who has done well in the Championship rather than truly taking it by storm. But people said similar when Borussia Dortmund first signed Jude. Not long later, it was banking a huge payday from Real Madrid.

Links to Liverpool have gone quiet. But there is a lot to like about the youngster, and he’s one to keep an eye on.