Jude Bellingham is reportedly Real Madrid's primary target for the 2023 summer transfer window in a major blow to Liverpool and Manchester City's chances of signing the England star. The 19-year-old has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in world football, with 100 appearances for Borussia Dortmund and 16 caps for England already. He was widely praised as one of England's few bright sparks in their 1-0 loss by Italy on Friday night.
Real Madrid have changed their approach to recruitment in recent years, shifting to a focus on bringing in young talent. This has been demonstrated by signings such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni. According to the Spanish outlet MARCA Bellingham is next on the list.
The reports by MARCA say that Los Blancos have been keeping an eye on the player since 2019 and 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. Bellingham could be available for about £83million next summer but Dortmund would require that fee to be paid up front.
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. 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.
Los Blancos will certainly face stiff competition for his signature especially from the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp is known to be a keen admirer of Bellingham, while Manchester City are keen to tie down English football's next big thing. Klopp wanted to sign him this summer but admitted the only problem with Bellingham was that he wasn't available since Dortmund were unwilling to sell another of their prized assets having already lost Erling Haaland to City earlier on. Meanwhile, Manchester United are also thought to be keen as they look for a long-term solution to their midfield issues.
Given that the club could lose 50 percent of their midfield due to the possible departures of Modric and Kroos, 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.
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