Paul Merson has disagreed with Rio Ferdinand and backed Jude Bellingham to join Liverpool during the summer transfer window.
The battle to sign Bellingham this summer is already set to be the most intriguing of the transfer window. As well as Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are among the 19-year-old’s rumoured suitors.
However, speaking after Liverpool’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Ferdinand suggested that the 19-year-old may snub the Reds and opt to join the Spanish giants instead.
READ MORE: Why Liverpool are not playing Fulham this weekend amid Premier League fixtures
READ MORE: 'Big eye-opener' - Ben Davies makes Liverpool game time admission and lifts lid on Anfield exit
He said: “'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 here [at Madrid]’.”
But Merson isn’t convinced that is the case and believes Bellingham will want to move to Liverpool regardless of whether or not they qualify for the Champions League.
“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,” he told the Daily Star.
“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.”
READ NEXT
Liverpool owners FSG agree multi-million deal to sell one of their teams
Jordan Henderson could be helping Liverpool sign his replacement after holding 'transfer talks'
Jurgen Klopp will know in nine days who Liverpool should sell this summer
Alisson has been openly telling Liverpool what their problem is all season
Lucas Leiva sends emotional message to Liverpool as former midfielder announces retirement
