Liverpool have ‘significant doubt’ over Jude Bellingham transfer

According to The Athletic, Dortmund would prefer not to sanction a sale of Bellingham this summer, with two years remaining on his contract.

Their stance will mean any deal would be at an inflated price, thought to be a minimum of a British record £110million. Such a valuation is said to have made Liverpool an increasingly unlikely destination for Bellingham this summer.

The report claims that significant doubt about the Reds’ chances stems from the expected transfer fee, rival suitors’ financial pulling power and a reluctance to enter a bidding war.

It’s stressed that a potential switch to Merseyside is by no means off entirely, but Man City and Real Madrid pose as the frontrunners at the moment. Liverpool’s financial frailties won’t help those fans who are disgruntled over FSG’s transfer strategy, which has largely been sell-to-buy in recent years.

Despite overseeing Jurgen Klopp’s trophy-laden reign and investing in the stadium and training facilities, FSG’s transfer expenditure continues to be a cause for criticism.

Liverpool have showcased their ability to spend big on individuals under Klopp, but the financial might of Chelsea, City, and United, among others, dwarves their total spend. FSG have been slammed for putting little of their own money toward transfers, relying on what the club generates to strengthen the squad.

But with no silverware and the risk of missing out on Champions League football looming large this season, revenue from sporting success is bound to plummet. And given Klopp will need to add at least two midfielders to his squad to replace departing stars and freshen up his ranks, that could prove problematic.