Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund may soon be united by more than just Jurgen Klopp. Each could have to face up to life without Jude Bellingham. There is a fundamental difference, of course, in that Liverpool never actually had Bellingham and Dortmund will at least be richly compensated – perhaps to the tune of £120m, maybe £135m – for their loss. Meanwhile, Liverpool could face a Bellingham-sized bill to rebuild their midfield. But as that will require at least two signings and preferably three, their resources could not be committed to one player, even if – and it is a big ‘if’, despite the charm offensive launched by Klopp, Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard – Bellingham had wanted to join. Other suitors may be able to promise him more: Champions League football, for example.
The news emerged as Manchester City were beating Bayern Munich; it was a different kind of illustration of what Liverpool are losing. The timing did not feel coincidental in another respect: the chances of a top-four finish almost vanished after a week when they took two points from a possible nine against City, Chelsea and Arsenal. The Champions League has brought Liverpool revenue of up to £100m a season but the coffers will look emptier next year.
