‘What a player’: Erling Haaland was seriously impressed with £130m Liverpool target at the World Cup

By Ben Evans

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp now has just one player left at the World Cup after England’s exit on Saturday.

Frenchman Ibrahima Konate is preparing to face Morocco while the rest of his squad concentrates on domestic football returning.

Klopp oversaw Liverpool’s return to action yesterday, as his side were defeated 3-1 by Lyon in Dubai.

He welcomed back the likes of Joel Matip and Naby Keita, which will be a boost after Luis Diaz suffered an injury setback.

The World Cup also offered Liverpool the chance to scout a number of their key transfer targets.

And there was one player who certainly stood out above the rest; Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old was absolutely sensational for the Three Lions, and only enhanced his reputation further.

Those who have followed Bellingham closely at Dortmund won’t be surprised by how impressive he was at the World Cup.

The teenager has earned a huge £130m price tag through his recent performances.

A report from journalist Christian Falk has suggested Liverpool are the favourites to sign Bellingham.

However, he has plenty of potential suitors, and Liverpool fans won’t be celebrating under a deal is officially confirmed.

Bellingham impressive at the World Cup

The teenage midfielder took to Instagram after England’s World Cup exit.

Bellingham said: “This one will be painful for a very long time.

“The better team on the night went out, that’s football sometimes.

“Regardless, I’m so proud of the effort, fight and performance from my teammates over the course of the whole tournament.”

Bellingham received plenty of replies after his impressive World Cup outing.

Bukayo Saka and Jordan Henderson loved his performances, with the latter taking Bellingham under his wing throughout the tournament.

Conor Coady said he was, ‘one of the best’, while Erling Haaland simply said, ‘what a player’.

Bellingham and Haaland will know each other well from their time at Dortmund together.

They’re arguably two of the best young players in the world, and Pep Guardiola may hope that relationship helps convince Bellingham to move to Man City.

Man City are certainly in the race with Liverpool to sign Bellingham.

It could end up being the biggest transfer saga of the summer if Dortmund decide to cash in.