Former Liverpool star Joe Cole believes that his old club could miss out on signing Jude Bellingham to one of their rivals.
The Reds continue to be heavily linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, who is set to be one of the most sought after players in Europe. As well as Liverpool, the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the player.
Bellingham’s future was a topic of debate on BT Sport’s Score programme on Saturday, with pundits Jermaine Jenas and former Red Joe Cole. Jenas explained why he thinks that Real Madrid is the most likely destination for the Dortmund midfielder.
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“I just think if you’re him. I’m going to Real Madrid or Barcelona,” said Jenas.
“I’m going to Real Madrid, as clubs go, it’s the elite club in club football so everything you want is going to be there and you’re apart of a dynasty that has been there for many years in Europe.
“You can put your marker down there and they’re building a hell of a machine down there, that midfield with Tchouameni, Camavinga, Valverde, I want to be a part of that as a young player, they’re going to be about for years.”
Cole agreed with Jenas’ point, but argued why and English club could be the next destination for Bellingham.
“Madrid is always Madrid, they’ve won five out of the last 13 Champions League, as good as they are they can’t keep doing that,” said Cole.
“The lure of coming home will be too much for Jude, we should be chomping at the bit to see it every week, a bit like Haaland, he’s one of the best.”
Jenas responded by asking Cole: “Will he not go to Madrid?”
The former Liverpool forward answered by explaining why Bellingham could show a desire to sign for Man City rather than Liverpool.
Cole said: “I don’t know anything but I think he’ll have the pick of world football, he can go where he wants Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, anywhere that can afford him will want him because he’s that good.
“For me, we’re going to be blessed to see his best years, he’ll want to come back, if I’m him I’m looking at Man City.
“Imagine him slipping in a team with Erling Haaland. It'll be incredible to watch.”
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