Jude Bellingham would have joined Liverpool if they were second in the table - journalist

Jude Bellingham would likely have already agreed to join Liverpool if they were in the Premier League’s top three this season.

That’s according to German journalist Patrick Berger. The Sport1 reporter has given an update on Bellingham’s situation, and it’s a decidedly mixed one for Liverpool fans.

“The Bellingham’s think through this important decision very consciously and down to the last detail,” Berger explained. “Mama Denise pays particular attention to the soft factors: What is important in the environment for the player? She helps make the decision.

“Liverpool are in tenth place with a five-point gap to European business. That is the reason why Bellingham is still hesitating with his decision. If Liverpool were in second or third place, he would probably have already said yes. [But they are in] pole position.”

Bellingham slipping out of Liverpool’s grasp

This is one of those glass half-full, glass half-empty moments. The half-fullers will see merit in the fact that Liverpool have all-but convinced Bellingham that Anfield should be his next move.

There is also obviously merit in the fact that with a decision still yet to come, the Reds are in ‘pole position.’

But for those staring into a half-empty glass, the worry will start to creep in. If Bellingham is hesitating having been virtually certain, the tide could be changing.

Liverpool don’t look like pulling themselves up to third or second place this season. It’s much more likely that they’ll slip down the other way. That isn’t good enough for a ‘world-class’ player like the Borussia Dortmund man.

So, Bellingham will have to be making his decision based on Liverpool finishing way off the pace.

If it was a case of Liverpool or nowhere, perhaps that would still be okay. But the main worry here is that the 19-year-old’s other suitors are in much ruder health.

Yes, Manchester City have the Premier League’s alleged rule breaches hanging over them. That conclusion could be years away, though. They may be off the pace a little this season, but they’re still in second.

And then there’s Real Madrid. Another club struggling to match their own high standards, they too sit in second in La Liga. Both will surely be playing Champions League football next season. Liverpool likely won’t. We’re going to have to hope that Denise has been impressed enough to see the potential in the Reds’ project. If not, this is only going one way.

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