This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Xabi Alonso could replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager as contract clause emerges
Liverpool’s summer pursuit of Jude Bellingham was partly botched by Real Madrid winger Vincius Jr, the Brazilian star has cheekily revealed. Vinicius claims he spent ‘months’ texting England ace Bellingham to snub interest from elsewhere and join Madrid from Borussia Dortmund.
Trending
Bellingham was the subject of interest from Europe’s biggest clubs in the summer. Liverpool ultimately pulled out of the race over the huge sums involved in a potential deal.
However, it is likely that they would have had little chance of landing Bellingham anyway. Vinicius embarked on a mission to convince the midfielder to sign for ‘months’.
He had led a similar campaign to get Eduardo Camavinga to join Madrid a year earlier in another deal Liverpool missed out on.
Vinicius Jr campaigned for Jude Bellingham to snub Liverpool and join Real Madrid (Image: Getty)
Vinicious told L’Equipe: "We're so happy he signed - I had been texting him for months! I said: 'This is the best team in the world'. I knew other teams wanted him. [Real Madrid chief scout] Juni Calafat has become a friend and he knows that if I can give a little help, I will.
“I did the same with Cama [Eduardo Camavinga]. I was sending him messages, he came and won the Champions League. Hopefully it will be the same for Jude."
However, Vinicius insists that he is not doing the same with Madrid target Kylian Mbappe. The PSG attacker has been linked with a switch to Spain. "No, it's different! Kylian has his situation. With Jude he knew he could move in this summer,” the 23-year-old added.
“And it's perfect that it happened like this. But here everyone wants to play with Kylian. I hope it happens one day, hopefully. He is one of the best players, perhaps the best of all today. He's on a level of his own!"
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Liverpool pulled out of a Jude Bellingham transfer over the cost (Image: Getty)
Liverpool initially planned to sign Bellingham as part of a major overhaul of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield. However, the economics of a possible deal - believed to be worth upwards of £100million - proved difficult with the Reds also hoping to complete further deals ahead of the 2023-24 season.
Instead, Klopp added four midfielders to his squad for a combined fee of £148m. Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai all arrived at Anfield before the summer transfer deadline.
Bellingham has since enjoyed a tremendous start to life in Spain. The 20-year-old has scored eight goals in his first eight appearances, providing a further two assists.
If you need a brand new TV and want to watch the best sporting events around on it, Sky is offering a deal where you get Sky Glass, Sky Sports, Sky TV and Netflix for just £34 a month.