Jude Bellingham reveals reason he opted for Real Madrid move over Liverpool - as England star prepares to face Reds in Champions League
- Bellingham had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool back in 2023
- He eventually joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in a £113million transfer
- Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all on bombshell chat with Mo Salah - LISTEN NOW to It's All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Jude Bellingham has admitted he had conversations with Liverpool, before opting to join Real Madrid in a £113m move in the summer of 2023.
Bellingham had been viewed as one of Liverpool's main transfer targets under Jurgen Klopp, once it became known the England star was set to leave Borussia Dortmund.
His friendship with Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold had led to suggestions Liverpool were favourites to sign Bellingham.
Bellingham ultimately joined Los Blancos and enjoyed a stunning debut season last year, scoring 23 goals in all competitions to help the club to win La Liga and the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday, Bellingham was asked about talks with the Reds in 2023.
'I think it probably wasn't as close as a lot of the media made out,' Bellingham admitted.
Jude Bellingham was asked about holding talks with Liverpool before moving to Real Madrid
Bellingham admitted Real Madrid were on 'another level' to other clubs he had spoken to
The England star lifted the Champions League in a stunning debut season at Real Madrid
'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.'
Liverpool had declared in April 2023 that they were pulling out of the race to sign Bellingham, with the club instead prioritising a wider squad rebuild.
Former Liverpool boss Klopp earlier this year had namechecked Bellingham when mentioning players the club would have looked to have signed had they had unlimited money.
Bellingham will instead line-up against the Reds on Wednesday in the Champions League, as holders Real Madrid eye a crucial victory.
Real Madrid are currently 21st in the new look league phase of the competition after two wins and two defeats from their four matches, while Liverpool have a 100 per cent record.
Bellingham will be looking to help Real Madrid earn a crucial win over Liverpool on Wednesday
He refused to be drawn on continued reports linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid
Bellingham was asked about reports linking Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but the star opted for a diplomatic response.
'I'll be playing alongside him next season for England anyway,' Bellingham said on Tuesday. 'That will be a guarantee.
'But he's a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his home today with a big game tomorrow and talk about something that could be misconstrued so it's important to take that pressure off him.
'I want him to do really well normally. Just not tomorrow.'
