Liverpool are in “pole position” to sign Jude Bellingham this summer but could have already wrapped up a deal if they were in a better place in the table.
That’s according to Sport 1 journalist Patrick Berger, who believes the Reds current struggles have led to a delay in Bellingham deciding his future.
The Borussia Dortmund star is expected to be the big-name transfer target of the summer transfer window after impressing in Germany again this season and starring for England at the World Cup.
Every major side in Europe is believed to be interested in his signature including Liverpool, who are looking likely to completely restructure their midfield this summer.
That area of the team has been identified as a weak point throughout this campaign so far, with key players such as Thiago, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson all struggling for form.
Naby Keita’s contract also expires in the summer and it is looking likely he will depart Anfield at that point.
The Dortmund star is yet to decide his future, though, and Berger says this might be due to Liverpool currently sitting 10th in the Premier League.
“The Bellinghams think through this important decision very consciously and down to the last detail,” he told Sport 1’s Die Dortmund-Woche podcast.
“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.”
