Jude Bellingham and Liverpool were long-time partners before the player made a high-profile financial move to Real Madrid in 2023. However, in his absence, might they have signed someone better than him?
For an extended period, it appeared as though Bellingham would ultimately join Anfield, although the Reds were not the only team interested in the England and Borussia Dortmund star. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson even spent a lot of time trying to persuade Bellingham to come to Merseyside during England’s 2022 World Cup training in Qatar, as former Liverpool defender Conor Coady disclosed earlier this year.
He was marked by the man, who took his life. To be honest, you would have attempted to sign him as well, don’t you think? Stated Coady. In the end, Bellingham chose Real Madrid over Liverpool, who had moved on to other targets. However, a former Netherlands player believes that this decision might ultimately be better for the Reds.
Rafael van der Vaart feels that Liverpool already has Ryan Gravenberch, so they don’t need Jude Bellingham.
Rafael van der Vaart, a former playmaker for Ajax, Real Madrid, and Tottenham, thinks that Ryan Gravenberch, a midfielder for Liverpool, can exceed Bellingham.
After Liverpool opted against spending so much money on Bellingham, the Netherlands international Gravenberch became a possibility for the management team. For about €40 million, the former Bayern Munich player joined Anfield in September 2023—a small amount compared to the €103 million Bellingham ultimately cost Real Madrid.
Van der Vaart also thinks Gravenberch can improve in 2024–2025 under new manager and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, despite a lacklustre first season in England.
Van der Vaart told BetMGM, “I stand by my statement that Ryan Gravenberch has the potential to be greater than Jude Bellingham, even if I took a lot of flak for it a year or so ago.
“I’ve always believed that if he can utilise all of his skills and potential, the sky is the limit for him, so I’m not shocked by how excellent he’s been this season for Liverpool and the Netherlands.
“Arne Slot has found a place for himself in the Liverpool team and is thriving—all you have to do is watch the pass he made against Germany on Tuesday to see that this is a player with all the makings of an elite player. Because of his strength, speed, and intelligence, Liverpool supporters should be quite optimistic about the future.