TWO years ago, Liverpool hatched an elaborate plan to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield.
However, the idea could have spectacularly backfired amid rumours that Trent Alexander-Arnold could join Real Madrid.
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While at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham had the world’s biggest teams chasing his signature.
Liverpool were among them, with the club desperate to overhaul an ageing midfield that featured Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.
The Reds knew they may not be able to match the financial strength and glamour of Real Madrid – but they offered Bellingham the chance to come home to England.
They knew they needed to convince the midfielder that the right move was to Merseyside, so the club plotted a sensational plan to get him on side.
Reports claim they told Liverpool and England stars Henderson and Alexander-Arnold to go on the charm offensive while they were together on international duty.
Wherever Bellingham went, one of the duo seemed to be nearby as they tried to form a bromance.
Fans noticed on social media that Trent had become especially close mates with Jude, only fuelling the conspiracy there was perhaps an ulterior motive.
Bellingham chose Real Madrid and signed for the European giants for £115million in the summer of 2023 despite Liverpool’s interest.
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He then fired Los Blancos to Champions League and La Liga glory last season, scoring 23 goals.
And although he chose the Spanish sun over Liverpool, Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold struck up a true friendship.
The best mates performed a pre-planned celebration after Jude scored at Euro 2024, relating to the game Werewolf they often play.
And the pair even holidayed together in the US over the summer.
Now, the tables have spectacularly turned with Alexander-Arnold’s Liverpool contract expiring at the end of the season.
Real Madrid are keen to bring him to the Bernabeu and are ready to step up their interest as right-back Dani Carvajal has sustained a long-term ACL injury.
The club reportedly also have plans to use him in midfield.
In a spectacular U-turn, it is now Bellingham in the ear of Trent, trying to get them to team-up in Spain.
The Birmingham-born star even made him a giant birthday card and hid inside it during the current England camp.
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Real Madrid love to use their power as of one of the world’s biggest clubs to strike bargain transfers.
They tell the player they want them but can only do a deal for free.
Such is Real’s huge status, stars have been known to run their contract down to force a move to them.
Look at Kylian Mbappe leaving PSG in the summer as a prime example.
Not forgetting Antonio Rudiger ditching Chelsea and David Alaba running down his contract at Bayern Munich.
The ploy has saved Real Madrid millions and perhaps “Agent Bellingham” will prove his worth by getting Alexander-Arnold to be the next in a long line of clever free transfers.
