Pundit can’t believe ‘stunning’ Jude Bellingham latest after Liverpool source update
Noel Whelan has insisted he would be “stunned” if Jude Bellingham joined Liverpool without Champions League football next season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Jurgen Klopp’s side “are no longer the favourites” to sign the 19-year-old.
Sources told this site on 31 December that Bellingham’s father wants him to sign for Liverpool in the summer as he believes the Merseysiders are the best fit for the midfield sensation.
However, it is understood that the player himself has had his head turned by strong interest from Man City and Real Madrid.
Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League after a poor start to the 2022-23 season – seven points away from the top four and some 16 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
The Merseysiders last went without Champions League football in the 2016-17 campaign.
When asked if Bellingham could join with Liverpool in the Europa League, Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “No. It’s a simple answer.
“I’d be stunned if Bellingham went there if they finished fifth or sixth.
“The World Cup was a big moment for the player, and Liverpool are no longer the favourites. There are other giants in front of them now.
“This is not a foregone conclusion. It might have been a year ago, but I’d say they’re no longer in control.
“He needs to go to a club who are in the Champions League and are going to be fighting for that trophy.
“If Liverpool don’t even make the cut, then it’s going to be really difficult.”
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