Liverpool’s Pursuit of Jude Bellingham: Inside the Efforts of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson
Liverpool’s Admiration for Bellingham
Leicester defender Conor Coady has shed light on the concerted efforts made by Liverpool stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson to persuade Jude Bellingham to join the Reds before his eventual move to Real Madrid. Liverpool, having long admired Bellingham during his time at Borussia Dortmund, saw Jurgen Klopp, typically reserved with his public endorsements, openly praising the young midfielder.
Fans had speculated on social media about the attempts by Alexander-Arnold and Henderson to lure Bellingham to Anfield, and Coady has now confirmed these rumours. Speaking on BBC Radio 5’s Football Daily podcast, Coady revealed the extent of their efforts during the World Cup.
Man-Marking the Star Midfielder
Coady explained, “I think Hendo and Trent tried with Jude, at the World Cup yeah, 100%. They man-marked the life out of him. I think them two tried it, and to be fair, you would, wouldn’t you?” This strategy of constant persuasion was clearly in play, as Coady continued, “Let’s be honest if you are at a club like that, of course you would!”
He described how the Liverpool duo used their proximity to Bellingham to extol the virtues of the club and Klopp. “They were either side of him, we’d all be sat there and they’d be talking about how good Liverpool is, Klopp is and this sort of stuff, and we’d all be sat there having something to eat and listening to them.”
Despite their efforts, Bellingham opted to join Real Madrid last summer for a substantial fee of £113 million. His decision, though disappointing for Liverpool, has proven successful for the young midfielder.
Bellingham’s Success at Real Madrid
Bellingham’s first season at Real Madrid was nothing short of spectacular. The midfielder scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in helping Carlo Ancelotti’s team secure both the Champions League and LaLiga titles. His impact was immediate and significant, showcasing the immense talent that Liverpool had coveted.
Meanwhile, Liverpool underwent a significant midfield rebuild, bringing in players like Dominik Szoboszlai and Endo. Despite missing out on Bellingham, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League and secured the League Cup, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in their squad.
England’s Euro 2024 Campaign
Currently, Bellingham is on Euro 2024 duty alongside Alexander-Arnold, representing England. The Three Lions have had a mixed start to the tournament, with performances not quite hitting top form. Gareth Southgate’s side faced criticism from supporters following a 0-0 draw with Slovenia, which came after a narrow 1-0 win over Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Denmark. However, they managed to top their group and will face Slovakia in the last-16 on Sunday evening in Gelsenkirchen.
Coady joked about the persistent efforts of Henderson and Alexander-Arnold, “They were either side of him… we’d all be sat there having something to eat and listening to them.” This light-hearted comment underscores the camaraderie and strategic efforts behind Liverpool’s bid to sign Bellingham.
Reflecting on Liverpool’s Midfield Rebuild
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bellingham was part of a broader strategy to strengthen their midfield. The club’s ambition was evident, and although they missed out on the young star, their subsequent signings have bolstered the squad. Dominik Szoboszlai and Endo have integrated well, contributing to Liverpool’s solid performances throughout the season.
The decision to sign multiple midfielders instead of placing all hopes on one player like Bellingham demonstrates Liverpool’s pragmatic approach. This strategy has ensured depth and flexibility within the squad, allowing them to compete effectively on multiple fronts.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity but a Bright Future
While Liverpool’s attempts to sign Jude Bellingham ultimately did not materialise, the efforts of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson highlight the club’s determination and the close-knit nature of its players. Bellingham’s success at Real Madrid underscores what could have been, but Liverpool’s resilience and strategic signings have kept them competitive.
As Bellingham continues to shine on the international stage with England, Liverpool fans can take solace in their club’s ability to attract and develop top talent. The future remains bright for the Reds as they build on their successes and continue to pursue excellence both domestically and in Europe.
