Liverpool: Jude Bellingham will have doubts on Anfield move

Liverpool’s top target in the summer window, Jude Bellingham, will have doubts over joining the Reds if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, according to Andrew Beasley.
The Lowdown: Bellingham and Liverpool
Bellingham is one of Liverpool’s key targets this summer window according to Sky Sports, as they look to overhaul the squad following their dismal season so far, with the Reds as close to the relegation zone as the top four in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will come under pressure in their bid to sign the Borussia Dortmund sensation who has a price tag of £130m (Daily Mail) but they’ve received a boost in his pursuit over the past couple of days.
One of their main competitors Real Madrid believe his most likely destination is England, according to The Athletic, reporting from Mario Cortegana, whilst Manchester City’s alleged breach of Premier League financial rules (BBC) leaves their ability to compete in the deal unknown.
The Latest: Beasley’s comments
However, German journalist Patrick Berger has claimed the Englishman may have reservations over joining a mid-table Liverpool side on his meinsport podcast.
Speaking on Blood Red, Liverpool writer Beasley revealed his concerns at Berger’s belief that the Reds’ bid may also be affected if they’re unable to qualify for the Champions League next season.
He said: “It has to be a factor. I think whatever the truth in the report, it’s probably what we’ve all been thinking. It’s one thing if Liverpool don’t qualify for the Champions League and they just miss out and they finish fifth, but I mean, the way they’re going at the moment, they’re going to finish sort of eighth, ninth, tenth or something.
“But clearly, somebody with Bellingham’s pulling power in the transfer market is going to want to play in the Champions League, and understandably so.
“If Liverpool just missed it, is one thing, but if they just have a terrible season, he’s got to wonder, well, are they going to go back into it next year?”
The Verdict: Bellingham’s thoughts?
Liverpool’s hopes of finishing in the Champions League next season look slim but not impossible through finishing in the top four, with them 11 points behind fourth place and just one point coming in their previous four league games.
Klopp’s side still have the route into the competition as Champions League winners on the table although a last-16 tie against holders Real Madrid, who beat Liverpool in last year’s final in Paris, will be a tough ask.
Amid Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) future now also unclear, following the Daily Mail’s report that they aren’t looking to sell, it does leave a potential black cloud over Anfield in terms of what direction the club is heading, with Bellingham likely taking a close look at Liverpool’s credentials over the remainder of the season.
