Paul Merson has written in The Daily Star that Jude Bellingham will join Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
The former Arsenal star does not believe that lack of UEFA Champions League football will affect Bellingham’s decision.
Merson has said that the Borussia Dortmund and England international midfielder will think of the long term and will not be affected by not playing in the UEFA Champions League for one season.
AS have reported that Liverpool are among the clubs who are keen on signing the 19-year-old England international midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has also reported interest from Liverpool in the former Birmingham City youngster.
Paul Merson on Jude Bellingham and Liverpool
Merson wrote: “I get where Rio Ferdinand is coming from when he says Jude Bellingham will be picking Real Madrid over Liverpool on the basis of their Champions League knockout clash.
“But I’ve read stories about Bellingham and his family and all they were ever interested in was ensuring he plays football when they picked Borussia Dortmund over Man United.
“One year out of the Champions League at 19 isn’t going to define his career if Liverpool miss out on fourth. He’s not an egotistical player and my feeling is he likes the challenge.
“It’s alright playing in the Champions League but what’s the point if you don’t win it anyway?
“He’s an example for every kid out there, it’s not about money, it’s about performing.
“I still think he might swallow a year out of the Champions League if Liverpool don’t qualify. He has a very long career ahead of him.”
HITC Verdict: Merson could be right about Bellingham and Liverpool
In our view, Paul Merson could be right about Jude Bellingham and Liverpool.
Let us not forget that the England international is only 19.
Not playing in the UEFA Champions League for one year is not going to matter for him much.
Liverpool are a massive club and a global brand, and the chance to play for the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners could be very tempting for Bellingham.
We think that even without UEFA Champions League football, Liverpool are a big enough club to attract any players.
And that includes Bellingham.
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