'If I'm him, I go to Real Madrid' - Bernabeu best option for Jude Bellingham's next move, says Rio Ferdinand
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Published 15/04/2023 at 11:23 GMT
Rio Ferdinand and Peter Crouch agree that Real Madrid would be the best move for Jude Bellingham's career after Liverpool ended their interest in the Borussia Dortmund man. Bellingham is wanted by a host of Europe's top clubs, but Liverpool withdrew from the race due to the costs involved and Manchester United are prioritising a striker. Madrid are building for future success, says Ferdinand.
'We constantly talk about things we can't have' - Klopp amid Bellingham links
A move to Real Madrid could be the best choice for Jude Bellingham, according to Rio Ferdinand, after Liverpool pulled out of the race for the Borussia Dortmund midfielder.
Bellingham’s future has been the subject of much speculation and the England international looks set to be at the centre of a Europe-wide transfer battle during the summer window.
Liverpool have reportedly withdrawn their interest due to the costs involved, and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp on Friday likened his club’s pursuit of Bellingham to a child wanting a “Ferrari at Christmas”.
With The Reds seemingly bowing out, and Manchester United prioritising a new striker in the summer market, Ferdinand believes a move to 14-time European champions Real Madrid could be the best option.
“Liverpool have ruled themselves out now, (but) I think if they said they would have liked him, there was still a chance he may have gone to Liverpool,” Ferdinand told BT Sport. “Just because he believes in himself and would back himself to be the catalyst to get them back up again, which then amplifies his character and his stardust.
“That maybe is something that would have excited him. Man United might offer that, but the problem is that United’s priority is a centre-forward and that’s very secondary. It’s a lot of money and I don’t think they can do both.
“If I’m him now, I probably go to Real Madrid. They’ve got a great blend of experience and young players.”
Ferdinand added: “You’ve got (Edoardo) Camavinga, (Federico) Valverde and (Aurelien) Tchouameni, three of the other best young midfielders in the world as well in that squad. They’re building for success over a good period of time.”
Former England striker Peter Crouch agreed that joining the Spanish giants could be the best move for the 19-year-old’s career.
“With Liverpool, the problem now is you can’t guarantee him Champions League footbal," Crouch said. "It’s looking very unlikely they’re going to get that now.
“If you’re Jude Bellingham, do you miss out on a year of Champions League football? I don’t think you do. Especially when you’ve got a host of clubs (to choose from) - Manchester City, Real Madrid…
“If he doesn’t go to Liverpool, there’s something about wearing that white of Real Madrid. Being an English player and playing there, I think he ends up being England captain if he goes and lifts trophies in the Champions League there.”
Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 and has excelled in Germany, scoring 20 goals in 127 games for the Bundesliga club and becoming a regular for England.
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