REAL MADRID
Who will Bellingham join? Real Madrid bid to sell LaLiga move to star
Real Madrid recently sent a representative to Germany to sell the club to Dortmund and England’s Jude Bellingham, who is also a key target for Liverpool.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid’s priority target for the summer transfer window. Los Blancos see the England international as a crucial signing as they continue their attempts to bring in fresh blood in midfield, having already snapped up Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
Real representative travels to Dortmund to meet Bellingham
Indeed, the Spanish and European champions are now stepping up their efforts to snare Bellingham. Madrid chiefs recently sent a representative of the club to Germany to meet the player and his family, AS understands. The aim of the visit was to get to know Bellingham and persuade the 19-year-old that a move to the Bernabéu is the ideal next step in his career.
The sit-down in Dortmund was all about dispelling any doubts that Bellingham might have about Madrid, and giving the midfielder a detailed view of life at the Spanish giants. It was the kind of charm offensive that has also been activated in the signing of other young talents in recent years: Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior, Fede Valverde, Rodrygo Goes…
Race for Bellingham’s signature hotting up
Madrid face a fierce battle with Liverpool to secure Bellingham’s services. So much so, that reports in Germany say Anfield is his preferred destination, with Sport Bild identifying the Premier League club as favourites to sign the teenager. However, Madrid certainly aren’t losing hope, and sources close to the player say he hasn’t made any decisions on his future just yet.
Madrid’s excellent relationship with Dortmund works in the Spaniards’ favour - but it’s Bellingham who’ll have the final say, given that both suitors are ready to go higher than the €100m the German club are after. Madrid could bid as much as €140m: an initial fee of €100m, plus €140m in add-ons.
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Bellingham rebuffs Dortmund renewal bid
What appears clear is that Bellingham wants to leave Dortmund, after he rejected the opportunity to discuss an improved, extended contract with the Bundesliga club earlier this year. Dortmund bosses sought to arrange a January meeting with the player’s camp for talks over his future, but it never took place.
For now, Dortmund are giving little away over Bellingham’s potential sale. Their public stance remains that they want to keep hold of the star, at least until his contract expires in summer 2025. “Albeit we haven’t had any new conversations with him, Jude feels very, very much at home at Borussia Dortmund. We haven’t received any offers for him, either,” sporting director Sebastian Kehl said recently. “He still has two years left on his contract and is a key part of our team.”
Bellingham arrival could spell end for Kroos
Bellingham’s mooted arrival at the Bernabéu could have a key influence on the future of current Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, as the Englishman’s presence in the squad would raise competition for game time significantly. Kroos, who is out of contract in the summer, hasn’t yet confirmed his plans for the future, and it seems unlikely that he would agree to extend his terms were he to be restricted to a reduced first-team role next term. However, Luka Modric, who is also a fee agent at the end of the season, wouldn’t have any problem renewing his deal for a year even if Bellingham came in.