Jude Bellingham is Real Madrid‘s primary target for the 2023 summer transfer window.
Los Blancos’ signings in recent years have reflected the club’s policy shift, with the 14-time Champions League winners acquiring young talent to be developed over time, as demonstrated by the acquisitions of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Fede Valverde, and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Bellingham scores against Manchester City
Have Real Madrid been in touch with the player?
As MARCA reported previously, Real Madrid have been eyeing Bellingham since before the midfielder joined Borussia Dortmund in 2019. The club first made contact with the player in 2022, when unsure if Tchouameni would agree to join.
The added financial burden of possibly signing Kylian Mbappe as well was another reason Real Madrid held off on their desire to sign the English midfielder.
Real Madrid asked Bellingham not to renew with Dortmund
While Real Madrid eventually completed the transfer of Tchouameni, the club also asked Bellingham and his representatives not to renew the player’s contract with Dortmund.
Jude Bellingham en un partido con el Dortmund | FRIEDEMANN VOGEL
Despite being pressured to extend his contract, Bellingham has so far kept his word not to sign a new deal but at the same time is weighing up other offers.
One offer in particular stands out with Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp keen on bringing the player to Anfield.
Modric, Kroos and Ceballos all out of contract
Real Madrid currently have six midfielders in their squad and, interestingly, three of them are out of contract soon. In the case of Modric and Kroos, age will play a key role in determining their future with the club.
Dani Ceballos is the fourth player in midfield and he is currently stating his case to be a first-team regular with Carlo Ancelotti said to trust the player. Given that the player is far from assured a place in the starting XI, a contract renewal is far from guaranteed.
Bellingham’s wish is to play for Real Madrid
Given that the club could lose 50 percent of their midfield, Real Madrid are keen to address the issue and make Bellingham one of their key signings during the summer window.
The Englishman would join the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouameni in what could become one of Europe’s most dominant midfields for years to come.
With Aki Watzke now leading Borussia Dortmund, the club’s relationship with Real Madrid remains friendly with both clubs acutely aware of the situation.
With Bellingham‘s release clause of 150 million euros leaked recently, it seem inevitable that the player will leave during the summer with Real Madrid believed to be his preferred destination.
