Transfer News: Liverpool face double whammy should they miss out on a top-four finish

Liverpool must secure UEFA Champions League football in order to land Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount

According to The Express, Liverpool will need to secure UEFA Champions League football in order to complete the signings of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

The midfield is a major cause of concern for the Reds and is in need of a major restructuring. Injuries and an ageing roster are major concerns and have caused the club several concerns this season.

Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago Alcantara are all in their thirties, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have struggled with injuries. The latter two are also out of contract next summer, adding another element of concern for Jurgen Klopp and co.

Bringing in both Bellingham and Mount would certainly be a big boost for the Reds. However, it is far from a given as the trio of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Newcastle United could play spoilsport.

Bellingham is one of the best young players in world football and at 19 is a long-term option in the middle of the park. Mount is older at 23, but is proven in the Premier League and a first-team regular for Chelsea.

Mount has just 18 months left on his Chelsea deal and is nowhere close to extending his stay at Stamford Bridge. Unless the Blues can reach a consensus soon, Liverpool and Man City are primed to make their move.

Signing Bellingham would be the dream and Borussia Dortmund are unlikely to be an obstacle as long as their asking price is met. However, any money the Reds throw at the German side could prove futile without top-level football to offer.

As things stand, the trio of Man United, Newcastle and Tottenham are our major rivals for a top-four finish. Jurgen Klopp’s men will have to go out all guns blazing post the World Cup and re-establish their credentials as Champions League regulars.

More Liverpool News

• Fabrizio Romano claims that Liverpool fought off Barcelona, West Ham and Tottenham to land Luis Diaz
• Danny Murphy explains why Liverpool are a better fit for Jude Bellingham than Manchester City
• Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones signs a long-term deal with the club.

Signing Bellingham and Mount will give the Reds a solid midfield base to build on and also give the Reds two English players on their roster. Given the club’s lack of home-grown talents, it could prove to be an added advantage should they seek to bring in more names.