Liverpool’s strategic decision to steer clear of the scramble for Jude Bellingham in the summer of 2023 was ‘crucial’ to their Premier League title win, pundit Chris Sutton told Ian Ladyman on the latest episode of the Mail’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast.

Coming off the back of several electric seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Jude Bellingham was set to be the subject of a bidding war between Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool going into the 2023/2024 season.

To the dismay of fans, Liverpool immediately withdrew from the race for Bellingham as the transfer window opened, citing a potentially huge transfer fee as the reason for avoiding the young talent when the club required a total midfield overhaul.

Chris Sutton told Mail Sport’s Football Editor Ian Ladyman that Liverpool’s decision not to bow to fan pressure during that midfield rebuild has proven out, shown by Arne Slot’s side winning the club’s twentieth league title over the weekend.

‘Not signing Bellingham in 2023 was a crucial decision [in Liverpool’s title win]’, former striker Sutton argued.

‘Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, those three midfield players have been a constant. They were essential for Liverpool this season.

Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch has recorded the second-most interceptions of any player in the league 

Chris Sutton: ‘Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai, those three midfield players have been a constant. They were essential for Liverpool this season.’ Listen here

Ian Ladyman: ‘One of the reasons Liverpool hired Slot was because of his previous record in Holland of managing player workloads.’ Listen here

‘The furor around Liverpool and Bellingham, whether he would go there or not, and then choosing Real Madrid – it’s all worked in their favour.’

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s midfield has been in red-hot form: Dutch international Ryan Gravenberch recorded the second-most interceptions of any player in the league whilst Alexis Mac Allister has stolen headlines for some superb long-range finishing.

Bellingham reportedly became the highest-paid midfielder in Europe after completing his move to Madrid two seasons ago.

Sutton added that the consistency of key performers has been the reason for Liverpool clinching the Premier League when compared to rivals Arsenal and Manchester City.

He explained: ‘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.’

Ladyman also threw praise upon Liverpool, stating that Slot’s ability to keep star performers fit was decisive this season.

‘They have kept all their big players fit and that’s not a coincidence’, the columnist said.

‘One of the reasons Liverpool hired Slot was because of his previous record in Holland of managing player workloads. Their owners took note of the fact that Slot’s previous teams tended not to suffer many injuries.

Bellingham reportedly became the highest-paid midfielder in Europe after completing his move to Madrid two seasons ago

Chris Sutton: ‘The furor around Liverpool and Bellingham, whether he would go there or not, and then choosing Real Madrid – it’s all worked in their favour.’ Listen here

‘All their big-name players were able to come to the party and perform at a consistently high level.’

Ladyman added that Liverpool were his favourites to lift the title again next season, not believing that one window can turn around the fortunes of old rivals Manchester City.

He said: ‘People have been asking me whether Liverpool will improve next season. Now, I don’t know if they will without buying players, because their level has been so high.

‘But, will they need to improve? City will be a new team at the start of the next season, which could go one way or the other.

‘Arsenal, Chelsea, Villa, Forest – are they going to make that step up from where they are now to a ninety-point season?’

To hear Chris Sutton and Ian Ladyman’s full opinions on Liverpool’s title win, listen to ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’, wherever you get your podcasts.