FSG need to decide what they’re doing if Liverpool are to sign Jude Bellingham. It could all come down to one factor.
Reports on whether Liverpool can sign Jude Bellingham are mixed. Some suggest they lead the chase, others suggest they’re lagging behind the competition.
What is clear, though, is that Bellingham will cost an awful lot of money. More than Liverpool have ever paid before – by far. The Athletic claims Borussia Dortmund could ask for £130m, obliterating the Reds’ transfer record.
Being able to pay that fee is the ultimate stumbling block. There are suggestions, as we’ve covered before, that Liverpool can put themselves in a dominant position by agreeing to pay it.
But that’s where FSG comes in. The Reds’ owners will certainly want the world’s best players at Anfield but in this case, it could entirely be up to them whether it happens or not.
FSG and Jude Bellingham
FSG seek investment in Liverpool, of course. Whether that means selling the club outright or merely a minority investment isn’t exactly clear at this stage.
However, the Boston Globe reported last week that FSG have a plan. They want to sell a small stake in the club that brings in money for transfer funds.
Now, that tells us that FSG aren’t confident of affording the players Liverpool need in the immediate future. In fact, it probably tells us that they can’t afford it full-stop.
Thus securing that minority investment is a must as teams lineup to sign Bellingham. Liverpool are only going to compete with Real Madrid and Manchester City if they can meet that asking price. Meeting it means bringing in outside funds.
Of course, Jurgen Klopp and co. can’t do anything about that. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson can do all the persuading they like – it won’t change things. This part of it is entirely down to FSG and their ability to find the right investment partner.
Take too long and Liverpool will miss out on the defining player of a generation.
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