Liverpool has been told the decision not to sign Jude Bellingham may have been the key to the club winning this season’s Premier League title.
The Reds wrapped up their 20th league crown on Sunday after beating Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield, sparking huge celebrations for the club’s fans and players. The triumph of course sees Liverpool draw level with Manchester United in terms of league titles won, with the former confirming its status as England’s most successful side.
It is the Reds’ second title in five years, and the first under new head coach Arne Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp less than 12 months ago. The Dutchman’s achievement comes despite only making one addition to the squad left behind by his predecessor – even then, Federico Chiesa has barely played a part in the league this season.
Slot has made sure to pay tribute to Klopp throughout the season, and during Sunday’s celebrations, in particular for the squad the German left behind upon his departure.
After finishing fifth in the 2022/23 season, Klopp set about rebuilding his midfield, with the signings of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all arriving that summer. The former trio has gone on to form Slot’s first-choice midfield this season, contributing to the Reds’ eventual title triumph.
The decision to sign multiple midfielders came after Liverpool had seemingly pulled out of the race to sign Bellingham earlier in 2023. The England international had been heavily linked with a move to Anfield as an exit from Borussia Dortmund looked to be on the cards, with Real Madrid eventually winning the race for his signature.
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bellingham has gone on to underline his status as one of Europe’s best midfielders at the Bernabeu, although former Blackburn and Chelsea star Chris Sutton believes Liverpool’s decision to end its chase for him proved to be a masterstroke.
“Not signing Bellingham in 2023 was a crucial decision [in Liverpool’s title win],” Sutton said on the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast. “Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, those three midfield players have been a constant. They were essential for Liverpool this season.
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“The furore around Liverpool and Bellingham, whether he would go there or not, and then choosing Real Madrid – it’s all worked in their favour.”
Sutton also paid tribute to Slot, and the Liverpool boss’ ability to lead his side to the title despite making just the one addition to his squad last summer.
“Liverpool didn’t go into the transfer market at all. Slot took the attitude of – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. They have just gone about their business: they’ve been so consistent and relentless. Liverpool haven’t just won the league, they have won it at pretty much a canter.”
