Bellingham probably not to Reds
Curious Klopp statements end advertising for BVB star
04/14/2023, 06:06 p.m
Liverpool has long been the big favorite in the race for BVB star Jude Bellingham. But this week everything changes. Jurgen Klopp and the Reds are said to have changed their transfer strategy. Interest in the football jewel may end with a curious Klopp comparison.
Liverpool FC apparently has no serious interest in Dortmund football jewel Jude Bellingham. This is suggested by recent statements by coach Jürgen Klopp. “I’ve never understood why we keep talking about things that we theoretically can’t have,” commented the 55-year-old meaningfully. The former BVB coach also emphasized that his answer to questions about possible newcomers “does not specifically refer to Jude Bellingham”.
English media had already reported in the past few days that a transfer from Bellingham could be too expensive for Liverpool. His contract with the Bundesliga club runs until 2025. In the event of an early departure, BVB can expect a transfer fee in the three-digit million range. Bellingham switched from Birmingham City to Revier in 2020 for 25 million euros. So far, Manchester City and Real Madrid have been among the potential buyers in addition to Liverpool.
Champions League a long way off, upheaval is imminent
After a disappointing season so far, Liverpool are aiming for a turnaround. “You have to recognize what you can do and then you have to work with it. How much money do we have available and then you have to work with it,” said Klopp. Very expensive transfers are therefore unrealistic: “We are not children. If you ask a five-year-old: ‘What do you want for Christmas?’ , you would say “no, that’s too expensive and you can’t drive anyway”.
Klopp concluded: “We’re trying absolutely everything to get it. But there are moments when you have to accept that this or that isn’t possible for us and then you just step aside and do other things.”
Participation in the upcoming Champions League also seems hardly possible for Liverpool. With just nine games to play, Jürgen Klopp’s team are already twelve points behind Manchester United in the last place in qualifying for the premier class. However, qualification for the Europa League or Conference League is not excluded.
Before the away game at relegation candidates Leeds United, the Reds in eighth place are still within striking distance of Aston Villa in sixth place, the place in most scenarios would be enough to participate in the Conference League. Depending on the outcome of the season, seventh place could still be enough for Europe.