Liverpool’s former target Jude Bellingham officially signed for Real Madrid this week.
The Bellingham saga is now officially over for Liverpool and other interested parties after he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player this week. The midfielder finalized his blockbuster move to the Bernabéu and will start a huge new chapter in his already outstanding career.
Liverpool had been in hot pursuit of Bellingham for some time but overall, it was a rollercoaster as they pulled out and reignited their interest after learning of his huge money asking price. At one point, it looked as though Jurgen Klopp might actually get his man as Liverpool became one of the favourites to land him.
In the end, the 19-year-old former Birmingham City star had set his sights on Real Madrid. Bellingham spoke to the media when he was unveiled and he admitted there was a moving moment that played a huge role in his decision to snub other clubs to join the Spanish giants.
“I was at the [Champions League] final when Madrid beat Liverpool, that was a huge factor in my decision to join Real,” he said (via Fabrizio Romano). Bellingham also insisted his move was “not about the money” and that he is delighted to “join the greatest club in the world”
The Reds were handed a European final heartbreak last season when Los Blancos dashed their hopes of lifting their seventh Champions League trophy. Madrid edged the win thanks to a lone goal from Vinícius Júnior, sending Liverpool home empty-handed.
Despite not landing Bellingham, Liverpool have already scouted other options as they look to rebuild their midfield this summer. The Reds wasted no time in welcoming World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister to Anfield to kickstart their transfer window, and they remain linked to several other high profile players.
Klopp will hope his summer recruits will boost Liverpool’s chances of pushing to finish inside the top four again next season, if not contend for the Premier League title.
