Glen Johnson says top four is a must if Liverpool want Jude Bellingham

Glen Johnson on Jude Bellingham to Liverpool

Former Red Glen Johnson rightly says that Liverpool need to propel themselves towards the top of the table in case they want to get Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham on board at Anfield next summer. The 19-year-old is a long-term transfer target for Jurgen Klopp and Co.

Bellingham is one of the most sought-after young talents in world football, and alongside the Reds, Real Madrid are also in the race to get their hands on the former Birmingham City man. Jude stands highly wanted by the Reds. However, the Reds’ current league position of tenth place could prove to be a major obstacle in their pursuit of the midfielder.

With the competition for Bellingham’s signature expected to be fierce, Liverpool need to be in a strong position if they want a serious chance of securing his signature or else Madrid would swoop the player easily.

Jude Bellingham could extend Borussia Dortmund stay and wait for Liverpool transfer. — Jude Bellingham could also extend his Borussia Dortmund stay and wait for a Liverpool transfer. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson spoke to Betfred (h/t Liverpool Echo) about the Reds’ potential move for Jude in the summer and here is what he said:

“If Liverpool want a serious chance of signing Jude, then they need to be in the top four. Let’s face it, anybody else that’s looking to sign Jude in the summer is going to be playing in the Champions League next season, and some of them will be trying to sign him off the back of winning their domestic league.”

“Let’s say if Liverpool finish sixth, then how can Jude pick them over a club like Real Madrid? I think if Liverpool don’t finish in the top four, then they may eliminate themselves from the race to sign him.”

Bellingham to the Reds?

For a player of Bellingham’s calibre, featuring in the UEFA Champions League is an important factor to consider. Playing in Europe’s premier club competition is a great way to showcase your abilities on the biggest stage, and it’s something that Bellingham is likely to want to continue after his stay with Dortmund as well.

If Liverpool are not in the top four, they may not be able to offer him the level of competition and exposure that he is looking for and hence, carry the risk of losing him to Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

As one of the brightest prospects in the game, Bellingham would want a hefty package as well, and qualifying and playing in the UCL would help expand Liverpool’s pockets. Hence, finishing in the top four comes across as extremely important.

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With the current league position, it’s going to be a tall order for Liverpool, but it’s not impossible. If they can find a way to climb up the league table, they’ll certainly give themselves a fighting chance of signing one of the most exciting young talents in world football.