Real Madrid and Liverpool sent Bellingham transfer message by Rio Ferdinand

Robin Bairner

• 16 Mar 2023 12:51 GMT
• 3 min read

Jude Bellingham was sent a clear indication of which club he should sign for next season during the Champions League tie between Liverpool and Real Madrid, according to Rio Ferdinand.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side won through 6-2 on aggregate, with a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu on Tuesday simply adding a flourish to the 5-2 success they enjoyed previously at Anfield.

Now there is the possibility of the club’s going head-to-head in the transfer market this summer over the Borussia Dortmund and England midfielder, who is set to be one of the most sought-after players in the world.

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Former Manchester United star Ferdinand says that he would find it easy to pick between the two options if asked.

Speaking to BT Sport, he said: “I just think, if he watches that tonight, he's sitting there thinking: ‘If Real Madrid are in for me and Liverpool, there's only one place I can go’ – and they [Liverpool] don't finish in the Champions League as well maybe.

“As a player – nothing to do with my allegiances to United or Liverpool – you look at it cold and you go: ‘I see more trophies at Madrid.’”

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Bellingham race heating up

Indeed, Liverpool face an uphill battle to even be in the Champions League next season as they sit sixth in the Premier League.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are making a strong defence of the title they won for a 14th time by overcoming the Reds in Paris. Ancelotti’s outfit, though, are ailing behind Barcelona in La Liga.

And the race for Bellingham certainly is not one that only has two runners. Manchester United have been credited with a concrete interest in the €120 million man, which could complicate life for both Real Madrid and Liverpool as they seek to lock down his future.