Glenn Hoddle predicts who Jude Bellingham will join - Liverpool or Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham will sign for Real Madrid unless Liverpool can make him feel like ‘the next Steven Gerrard.’

That’s the view of pundit Glenn Hoddle. Speaking to Goal about Bellingham today, Hoddle claimed that the 19-year-old would be a perfect fit at Madrid.

“I’d love to see him in the Premier League, we all would. But I have a feeling that Real Madrid is the place. I think he’s the kind of kid who would say ‘I’d love a bit of that’, and if Real Madrid come calling, it’s very tough to turn down,” said the former England international.

“If he does come to the Premier League, I think it’ll be to the club that makes him feel so, so comfortable, so much that they want him. Not money, more a club that has a project and makes it clear that he’s going to be a massive part of it, and makes him feel comfortable.

“A few years back, Liverpool would have been No.1, but at the moment they’re down the pecking order a bit. They have to make him feel that he’ll be the next Steven Gerrard for the club, because if they don’t, they’ll miss out. Me personally, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t go to Real Madrid.”

With both clubs still in the race, there doesn’t appear to be an absolute clear favourite right now. Liverpool have been said to be leading the race before. But so too have Real. Ultimately, only Jude knows what’s going on in his own head. Oh, and don’t rule out Manchester City either.

Plenty to ponder for Bellingham

There’s no doubt that Madrid are an attractive option for Bellingham. Just as they are for any other player on the planet.

The chance to make a name for themselves at the Bernabeu has turned the heads of some of the greatest footballers in history. Playing for Real, you’re always in with a shout at winning it all.

If Bellingham has designs on winning individual honours, it always helps to play for one of the Spanish giants, too.

So, as Hoddle says, from a sporting point of view, no one would blame the teenager for trying his hand in another overseas league. But then there’s the pull of coming home. Having spent the last three years in Germany, he’s likely itching to test himself in the Premier League.

While Madrid can offer perhaps the most famous environment in the sport, La Liga is currently lagging behind. England is where everyone wants to be right now. Given that it’s obviously his home country, it would make complete sense for Bellingham to follow suit.

If that’s what he decides, then Liverpool have a real chance. City are obviously in there too and Chelsea reportedly aren’t taking no for an answer yet either. The race is wide open, let’s wait and see what Jude ends up deciding.

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