‘I would not’: BBC pundit urges ‘world-class’ player not to sign for Liverpool

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Liverpool’s start to 2023 could not have been more disappointing, after a turgid 3-1 defeat to Brentford.

The hosts had the ball in the net four times in the first half, with VAR ruling out two of their efforts.

It was a sign of how poor the Reds were, and now BBC Sport pundit Nigel Reo-Coker has reflected on the match.

It’s hard to argue that any of the players Jurgen Klopp selected came away from the game with any credit.

Kostas Tsimikas, Harvey Elliott and Virgil van Dijk were all hooked at half-time, although there was a suggestion of an injury for the Dutchman.

Even if he was fully fit, Van Dijk may have been sacrificed by Klopp to bring on Joel Matip.

Liverpool have already acted in the January transfer window, bringing in PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo.

It’s likely that their main work in the transfer market will be done in the summer.

One player who Liverpool look desperate to sign is Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old is arguably their main transfer target, and Chelsea believe Anfield is his most likely destination.

However, Reo-Coker has now said that Bellingham should not go to Liverpool.

He believes the teenager should choose Real Madrid over Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Bellingham should not go to Liverpool – Reo-Coker

Speaking on The Monday Night Club about Bellingham, Reo-Coker said: “If you were Jude Bellingham would you go to Liverpool right now?

“What you can currently see right now and then you look at the other suitors.

“If I was Jude Bellingham, I would go to Real Madrid. I would look at what Madrid are building, the young players they have, and what they are building.

“I would go to Real Madrid, I would not go to Liverpool.”

Described as a ‘world-class’ midfielder by Roy Keane, as per the Bundesliga, Bellingham has a huge future ahead of him.

The 19-year-old has a massive decision ahead of him, and Liverpool’s form over the next few months is likely to have a bearing on Bellingham’s future.

It’s hard to see the midfielder go to Liverpool over the likes of Real Madrid if they don’t achieve Champions League football.

The Reds could really benefit from Bellingham’s introduction in midfield, with none of their current options as comfortable carrying the ball forward.

There’s also the threat of Manchester City making their move for Bellingham.

They could use Erling Haaland as an example of how smooth the transition can be from Dortmund to Manchester.