Bellingham linked to surprise swap after Alonso reports
Bellingham missed the opening stretch of the campaign while recovering from shoulder surgery. Since returning in September he has played regularly and scored three times although the dominant influence he showed under former manager Carlo Ancelotti has not fully returned.
Ancelotti often pushed him high up the pitch which helped him produce thirty eight goals across his first two seasons in Spain. Since taking charge in the summer Xabi Alonso has preferred to keep him slightly deeper in midfield which has changed the nature of his contribution.
Madrid lose momentum
Real Madrid opened the season strongly but have slowed in recent weeks with three consecutive league draws allowing Barcelona to move in front. In that context Mundo Deportivo published a report claiming tension between Alonso and Bellingham.
Alonso dismissed the suggestion during his press conference before the Girona match. He said that he had excellent communication with Bellingham and praised the midfielder for being curious and proactive when discussing ways to improve.
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Transfer talk returns
Despite the manager’s denial the outlet Defensa reported that Liverpool have contacted Madrid about Bellingham. According to their reporting the Premier League club view the situation as a chance to revive their unsuccessful pursuit from twenty twenty three and would even consider offering Alexis Mac Allister as part of a possible exchange.
Bellingham and Real Madrid do not appear open to the idea. In an interview with Marca earlier this year he described the club as the perfect place for him and said he hoped to remain there for the next ten to fifteen years.
Liverpool’s midfield picture
Mac Allister has also endured a challenging opening to the season after dealing with injuries during the summer. He recently completed the full match in Liverpool’s win against West Ham United which marked the first time since April that he has played three complete matches in a row.
Outlook
Although speculation is likely to continue through the winter period the prospect of a high profile swap involving two important midfielders remains remote. Madrid’s focus is on regaining momentum while Bellingham has repeatedly stated that he sees his future in Spain.
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Sources: Mundo Deportivo, Defensa, Marca.
