Fortget paying £103M: Liverpool to take advantage of stalled contract talks to sign the ‘next Jude Bellingham’

Liverpool have been chasing Jude Bellingham all summer without success, but they might now shift their focus to Carney Chukwuemeka, their supposed “next Jude Bellingham.”

The youngster from Aston Villa played was a vital part of the team that won the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championships this summer.

The teenage midfielder is set to be a wanted man due to interest from big teams in Europe including Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus, and a host of others.

Chukwuemeka, one of England’s best young players coming through the youth system, may become a low-cost alternative this summer with Liverpool pursuing midfield options.

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder’s contract problems caused him to be left out of the Aston Villa pre-season trip.

Barcelona have serious interest in English talent Carney Chukwuemeka, he’s appreciated as player with huge potential. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #FCB

The player is in the final year of his contract with Aston Villa and would be available for FIFA training compensation in January. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/8nr1X0bQb1

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022

He quoted Villa manager Steven Gerrard as saying the following about the circumstance: “Carney is yet to accept a contract offer that has been on the table for some time. I’ve decided that continuing his training would be the best course of action.

Chukwuemeka (18) has one year left on his contract; if he doesn’t agree to a renewal before January, Villa runs the risk of losing him next summer when he becomes a free agent.

He might use the opportunity to transfer to a bigger club like Liverpool, especially since Jurgen Klopp is known for grooming young players.

Although he could draw inspiration from Jacob Ramsey who has broken through at Villa to much acclaim in midfield under Gerrard after coming through the academy ranks.

Liverpool are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on the situation of Aston Villa's Carney Chukwuemeka, with the young midfielder currently unwilling to pen a new deal at Villa Park. [@talkSPORT] pic.twitter.com/yNLCRQgx5h

— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) June 27, 2022

According to several publications (TalkSport & GOAL), Liverpool have kept an eye on the midfielder who exhibits characteristics that are comparable to Bellingham, a long-term goal.

He is more of a goal-scoring box-to-box midfielder, thus signing him would be a wise investment.

Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle, as well as Bayern Munich, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, and Atletico Madrid will all be keeping an eye on his status, so the Reds will have to compete with the majority of European teams for his signing.

Chukwuemeka, whose parents are from Nigeria, was born in Austria, grew up in Northampton, England, and has so far represented England at the youth level from U15 to U19.