Jude Bellingham rejection can lead Liverpool to next Champions League hero

Liverpool opting not to sign Jude Bellingham paves the way for another star to emerge as a Champions League hero at the club.

The Reds’ long-standing interest in Bellingham appears to be over due to the likely cost involved to complete a deal for the midfielder.

Liverpool allegedly believe paying over £100million for one player this summer is not the right strategy considering they need to improve several positions in the side.

The club are looking to rejuvenate their squad this coming window, and are thought to be targeting at least two new midfielders.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp insisted last week that the Reds will improve their on-field chances with “smart recruitment”.

And whoever Liverpool bring in as a Bellingham alternative could become a star at the club in their own right.

Liverpool’s next Champions League hero?

As proven in the past, Liverpool’s alternatives to Bellingham could still become club legends.

Indeed, seven years ago the Reds’ hopes of signing Mario Götze from Bayern Munich ended after the German changed agents and declared he intended to fight for his place with the Bavarian giants.

While disappointing at the time, Liverpool went on to sign Sadio Mane instead, who became a club legend. The Senegal international enjoyed six successful years on Merseyside - winning six trophies, including the Premier League title and the Champions League.

Meanwhile, Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud was also a leading target for the Reds at the time.

When their pursuit for the player fell through however the Reds signed Georginio Wijnaldum - another standout performer for Klopp’s men as they claimed their first league title in 30 years.

Meanwhile, the Times claimed Liverpool wanted Christian Pulisic, Julian Draxler and Julian Brandt ahead of Mohamed Salah.

Salah has, of course, gone on to become one of the world’s best and most prolific forwards and a serial champion with Liverpool.