Jude Bellingham could still join Liverpool, even if they fail to secure Champions League football – journalist

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Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham could still choose to join Liverpool, even if the side fail to qualify for the Champions League this year.

That’s according to BILD TV reporter Valentina Maceri, who recently spoke with Sky Sports News.

“Our information is the conversation between Bellingham’s management, his father and Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for March,” the journalist claimed.

“Dortmund directors Sebastien Kehl and Hans-Joachim Watze are doing everything they can to make him stay at Dortmund. They have made him a historical offer to be the highest-paid player of all time at Borussia Dortmund.

“If he chooses to extend, he would earn around €15m (£13.2m) per season. Right now, Marco Reus is the highest-paid player at Dortmund of around €12m (£10.6m) per season.

“But right now, I’m still not so confident that Bellingham will extend at Dortmund.

“Bellingham would love to play for Liverpool but there is the money issue – he won’t be cheap. He could be €140-150m and there’s still Real Madrid and Manchester City in the race. They have a lot more money than Liverpool.

“At the moment, Liverpool aren’t going to qualify for the Champions League – this is a big point that has to be considered as well. I still think Bellingham would like to play for Liverpool, that’s my gut.”

Bellingham could still join Liverpool

When it became apparent the Reds may not finish in the top-four and secure Champions League qualification this season, huge worries emerged over the potential deal for Bellingham.

Having put all their eggs in one basket, Liverpool are desperately trying to land the 19-year-old, who is also being courted by Real Madrid and Manchester City.

The Merseyside outfit are in dire need of midfield additions, and it appears Jurgen Klopp has identified the England international as the new core of his team.

With over a decade left at the highest level, Bellingham, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’ by Sky Sports pundit Michael Dawson, is already at a world-class standard.

Certainly warranting his £132m price-tag, Liverpool need to do everything they can to secure the youngster’s services.

Having passed up on alternative options in the past, this is a must-win transfer for the Reds.