Jordan Henderson may have handed Liverpool a key advantage in the race to sign Jude Bellingham in next summer's transfer window.
Bellingham is set to be one of the most in-demand players at the end of the season, with Borussia Dortmund set to sell him. Liverpool are among the clubs chasing the England international, but face strong competition to bring him in.
Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and reigning Champions League holders Real Madrid are both also thought to be interested in Bellingham. The 19-year-old is currently starring at the World Cup for England, with Henderson one of his team-mates.
And it appears their relationship may hand Liverpool an edge over the likes of City and Madrid when it comes to signing him. England and Everton defender Conor Coady has revealed Henderson is the main person who looks after Bellingham in the camp.
“Talking about Hendo and how he leads by the examples he sets. What he’s like in training. Driving people. I think he’s a massive factor in it and getting on with everybody in the group,” he said.
“He looks after Jude like there is no tomorrow. Jude is a young lad, sometimes we forget that because he is so mature and a fantastic footballer. I would say someone like Henderson and [Kyle] Walker set the example.
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“He said something the other day about his mum making his bed, no word of a lie. We are talking about Jude Bellingham here, one of the best players in the world, and Hendo sat up at dinner and went ‘What?’ and Jude went ‘Yeah, my mum makes my bed’. So Hendo is battering him.”
That connection between the duo could be a key card for Liverpool to play when it comes to moving for Bellingham. He will almost certainly be able to have his choice of club as the race heats up.
With Henderson already being at Anfield and holding a senior dressing room role as club captain, he may be able to convince Bellingham that Liverpool is the best place for him.
Though Bellingham has previously played in England with Birmingham City, the step up to the Premier League will still be a challenge, as evidenced by Jadon Sancho's struggles at Manchester United.
Bellingham will be keen to avoid enduring the same struggles as his former Dortmund team-mate. And having an established, strong relationship with the captain of his next club may be a key advantage for Liverpool.
The England midfielder is widely considered to be Liverpool's top target for the summer window as they look to overhaul their ageing midfield. The Reds are expected to concentrate on that summer business, rather than be active in the January window.
Being able to use Henderson to show Liverpool can be a welcoming environment could be a key plank in their strategy to bring Bellingham to Anfield. Given how close the duo appear to have become, it should be a card the Reds look to play.
