Bellingham reveals reason he opted for Real Madrid move over Liverpool

Jude Bellingham has admitted he held talks with Liverpool before opting to join Real Madrid for £113million in the summer of 2023.

Bellingham was seen as one of Liverpool's top transfer targets under Jurgen Klopp when it was revealed the England star was set to leave Borussia Dortmund.

His friendship with Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold had led to suggestions that Liverpool were favorites to sign Bellingham.

Bellingham eventually joined Los Blancos and enjoyed a stunning debut season last year. He scored 23 goals in all competitions and helped the club win La Liga and the Champions League.

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 said,” Bellingham admitted.

“I spoke to a few clubs about leaving Borussia Dortmund and when I made that decision, they allowed me to talk to a few clubs.

'One thing I have to say is that all the clubs I spoke to had a lot of respect for me and my family, which for me is of enormous value and something that I really respected.

'I don't want to say anything disrespectful to them, but when Real Madrid knocks, the whole house shakes.

'It's hard not to accept it. “It's not that the other teams weren't good or bad when I spoke to them, it's just that Real Madrid are at a different level.”

Liverpool had declared in April 2023 that they were withdrawing from the race to sign Bellingham, with the club instead prioritizing a wider squad rebuild.

Former Liverpool boss Klopp had mentioned Bellingham earlier this year when listing players the club appeared to have signed if they had had unlimited money.

Bellingham will instead face the Reds in the Champions League on Wednesday, with Real Madrid eyeing a crucial win.

Real Madrid currently sit 21st in the new phase of the competition after two wins and two defeats from their four games, while Liverpool have a 100 percent record.

Bellingham was asked about reports linking Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but the star opted for a diplomatic answer.

“I will definitely be playing alongside him for England next season,” Bellingham said on Tuesday. 'That will be a guarantee.

But he is a Liverpool player and it would be disrespectful to come to his house tomorrow before a big match and talk about something that could be misinterpreted, so it is important to take that pressure off him.

“I want him to do really well normally. Just not tomorrow.'