Real Madrid will reportedly be open to shelling out up to €100 million to sign 18-year-old English international Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Cadena SER, Jude Bellingham is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Merengues are willing to offer up to €100 million to secure the services of the 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund prodigy.
Jude Bellingham is one of the most prodigious prospects to have emanated from the academy of an English club in the past decade. The teenage wonderkid burst into the limelight by becoming a star figure for Birmingham FC aged 16. Bellingham’s exploits earned him interest from some of the most high-profile clubs in Europe before he chose Borussia Dortmund as his next destination.
The 18-year-old has gone from strength to strength since moving to Dortmund, becoming a key figure for the Bundesliga heavyweights while establishing himself as a full-fledged English international. Bellingham has amassed ten goals and 18 assists in 90 outings for Dortmund. And his progress has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid stems from the advancing years of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The two ageing midfield stalwarts have carved a lasting legacy for themselves at the Santiago Bernabeu but are approaching the end of their respective illustrious careers, prompting Real Madrid to scour the market for viable successors.
While Modric recently penned a one-year contract extension with Los Blancos, he will turn 37 later this year. And Bellingham is one of very few players in Europe who could qualify as a worthy successor to the veteran Croat, making him a viable target for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have reportedly been in contact with Borussia Dortmund for the 18-year-old English international. And Real Madrid will likely prioritise signing Bellingham in the summer transfer window next year, with Cadena SER suggesting they will reserve between €80 million and €100 million to land the Dortmund prodigy.
Real Madrid already let Dortmund know that they want to sign Bellingham during the two clubs’ conversations over Erling Haaland, who eventually joined Manchester City. It will be interesting to see if a payment of up to €100 million will be enough for the Bundesliga giants to sell Bellingham, especially with other European bigwigs like Manchester United and Liverpool also interested.
