Liverpool’s poor season not helping with Jude Bellingham chase

Liverpool are a long way off Champions League football next season. At the halfway point of the season (22 games out of 38), they are now 12 points behind fourth place with two games in hand. The gap is a huge cause for concern, but with a strong second half of the season, they could climb back up the table and challenge for a European spot. Crazier things have happened.

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Major problems at Anfield

Jurgen Klopp’s side have only won one of their last seven games and they have conceded almost as many goals (28) as they have scored (34). In December they crashed out of the League Cup (knocked out by Manchester City; 3-2) and a fortnight ago they crashed out of the FA Cup; another shock as they were knocked out by Brighton in the round of 32. The Reds have gone from four competitions to two: the League and the Champions League. And in the former, things are not going smoothly. How else could they qualify for the Champions League? It’s easier said than done, but winning it would ensure Champions League football next season. But to do so, they would first have to eliminate Real Madrid in the round of 16.

Bellingham is aware of the situation. Liverpool are in a maze that is very difficult to get out of. Borussia Dortmund have an offer of €15m per season up their sleeve, but will not consider it until they know what his intentions are.

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Price of Bellingham

The midfielder will cost around €100m, but the deal could rise to €150m. The crux of the matter remains the same: his own will. If Bellingham wants to go to England, he would also have Manchester United as suitors. He won’t be joining PSG. The race is between Liverpool and Real Madrid. So the ‘missing out on the Champions League factor is proving decisive in tipping the balance. Liverpool have 18 games left to sort out their season and convince the England international.