Why Liverpool have got it wrong with Bellingham

Karan Tejwani

• 1 Feb 2023 12:00 CST
• 3 min read

The winter transfer window has passed and Liverpool still have major problems in their team – namely in midfield as they struggle for form.

The Reds sit ninth in the Premier League table, 10 points behind fourth place as they head into the second half of the season hoping to secure Champions League football.

Their form has been haphazard and bar Cody Gakpo, they refused to sign anyone in the transfer window, which could be a problem for the rest of the campaign.

READ: Revealed: Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham alternatives

Liverpool have put all their eggs in the Jude Bellingham basket, saving up to have enough funds available in the summer, but if they don’t have Champions League football, will they be able to get him?

Bellingham will want Champions League football

It’s clear that playing at the highest level will be one of Bellingham’s priorities when choosing his next club and he will want Champions League football.

When choosing Borussia Dortmund, he wanted assurances over game time and progression, which is why they were the simpler choice for him.

READ: Ten Hag’s De Jong and Bellingham transfer stance outlined

It’s been reported that his family are looking for the same when it comes to his next move, and Champions League football will be one of the factors to consider when the time comes for his transfer.

Out of all the clubs interested in him, Liverpool are one of the top ones but they can’t guarantee Champions League football due to their poor start to the season.

That would encourage Real Madrid, who are looking to add Bellingham to their squad as well and they will be more tempted to make a move.

At his age, Bellingham has already made a massive impact on the biggest stages, as evident by his World Cup displays in November and December last year.

He will want more of that on the European stage, and showing that in the Champions League will be something he would desire next season if he does make the move.

Others such as Manchester United and Manchester City will also be tempted by this and will likely get ahead of Liverpool in the race if the Reds don’t qualify for Europe’s premier club cup competition.