It seems crazy to think that we once lived in a world where Jude Bellingham looked set to join Liverpool instead of Real Madrid.
2023 was a huge year for the England international as the superstar midfielder made the decision to leave Borussia Dortmund that summer, with Liverpool reportedly the leading club for Bellingham’s signature at the time.
However, it was Madrid who would end up winning the race for Bellingham, with the former Birmingham City star since becoming an icon in the Spanish capital and one of the best players in world football at just 21-years-old.
And Bellingham has now shared how close he actually was to joining Liverpool in 2023.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid looks on prior to the LaLiga match between CD Leganes and Real Madrid CF at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Novembe...
Photo by Alvaro Medranda/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
Liverpool ‘wasn’t as close’ to signing Bellingham as originally reported
Speaking to the press ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League tie against Liverpool, the Madrid no. 5 revealed that a move to Anfield wasn’t as close as originally reported, with the call from Los Blancos too big to turn down.
Bellingham said: “I think it probably wasn’t as close as a lot of the media made out. I had conversations with a few clubs on leaving Borussia Dortmund, when I made that decision they gave me permission to speak to a few clubs.
“One thing I have to say is that all the clubs I spoke to were very respectful of me and my family, which for me is a huge value and something I really respected. I don’t want to say anything that is disrespectful to them but when Real Madrid come knocking it shakes the whole house.
“It is one that is hard not to accept, it is not a matter of the other teams not being good or bad when I spoke to them, it is just that Real Madrid are on another level.”
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and Real Madrid CF at Estadi de Son Moix on April...
Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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Bellingham made the right call joining Madrid over Liverpool
Liverpool missing out on Bellingham was seemingly a formality once Madrid became interested in the England international, and one year on since the move, it’s hard to imagine the midfielder playing anywhere else.
Bellingham has developed into one of the best players in the world at Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, with the 21-year-old playing a key role in Los Blancos’ La Liga and Champions League wins last season.
And although Liverpool fans will forever be left wondering what would have happened had Bellingham joined the Reds, the midfielder certainly made the right call for his career to join Madrid, where he has since become a true footballing superstar.
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