In a scenario like that of football, in which the amounts of money involved are increasingly huge, and in which more and more clubs are capable of paying exorbitant sums, the human factor has become more important than ever before. Hand in hand with a stable sporting project, money matters less and less.
This can be seen by simply taking a look at what is happening in Saudi Arabia, with teams that are capable of paying ever-increasing amounts and a list of players who are not seduced by the charms of petrodollars. However, in addition to this and the sporting projects, relationships between players are becoming increasingly important when it comes to putting together a squad.
The latest coup being prepared by Real Madrid… starring Bellingham
Just take a look at Leo Messi’s Inter Miami, which has brought together all of the Argentine’s former teammates from his time at Barça. On a more elite level, everything related to Mbappé’s signing for Real Madrid has been accompanied by an endless list of messages from Real Madrid players when Kylian was still playing for PSG.
A factor as old as football itself which, however, in recent times, could have become more important than ever. And it could play a significant role in the arrival of Alexander-Arnold at Real Madrid. Why? Because among the many factors with which the Whites are trying to seduce the English full-back, there is a secret agent working on the operation: Jude Bellingham.
This is where the human factor comes into play. The Real Madrid midfielder and the Liverpool full-back became close friends in the England national team. For this reason, and since Bellingham’s arrival at the club, he has repeatedly mentioned Alexander-Arnold’s name in the offices at Valdebebas. A message that, given the circumstances, has ended up getting through to Florentino Pérez.
Bellingham’s influence in the signing of Alexander-Arnold, key
An influence that, however, goes back a long way. Specifically since EURO 2024, when the British newspaper The Independent claimed that Bellingham was doing everything possible to convince Arnold not to renew with Liverpool, with the aim of seeing him in a Liverpool shirt next summer. A message that seemed to sink in with the full-back because, as of February 2025, he is still standing firm in his decision not to extend his contract.
However, this belief has gained even more strength over the last few weeks, thanks to the statements of Jermaine Pennant, an English footballer who played for Liverpool, among many other teams. And the former Liverpool player is not only clear about the role Bellingham is playing in the operation: “I think he’ll probably go to Real Madrid to play with his best friend, Jude. I’m sure Jude is… interfering a bit. ‘Agent Jude’, as we call him here”.
However, the former English footballer went a step further. Not only did he claim to be sure of Bellingham’s influence in the operation, but he also said that, in his opinion, Alexander-Arnold has already made the decision to wear white next season: “I’m sure they’ve had that conversation. They’re happy together, they’ve played great football and I think Trent will end up at Madrid”. Only time will tell what Alexander-Arnold’s next move will be. But in Liverpool, just in case… They are already coming to terms with his departure.