Real Madrid have received a double boost to their hopes of signing Jude Bellingham in what will come as a blow to Liverpool ’s long-term interest in the midfield star.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bellingham on a number of occasions in the past, with Jurgen Klopp thought to be a big fan. Meanwhile, rivals Manchester City and Manchester United are also apparently admirers of the reported £83million-rated Englishman.
Birmingham City academy graduate Bellingham has been a revelation since moving to the Bundesliga in 2020 and has evolved into a key player for both Dortmund and England. After racking up 20 goal contributions in all competitions for the German giants last year, Premier League clubs have been keen to bring the highly-rated 19-year-old back to English football.
Mirror Football understands that Real Madrid are likely to prove a major obstacle for the Reds and their domestic rivals with the Spanish club gaining confidence in their hopes of landing the talented central midfielder next summer.
The European champions have been tracking Bellingham since his time at Birmingham City and the player is aware of their long-standing interest. The midfielder was informed directly by the Spanish club this summer that they would move to sign him next summer, and not to renew his Dortmund deal or seal an exit from the Bundesliga this year – advice which he followed.
One obstacle to any deal that Madrid had worried about was how Bellingham would take up a non-EU position in their squad and going into the current season, those slots within their squad were already filled due to their South American contingent of players.
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Since Brexit regulations came into place, it has become more awkward for UK players to move to European clubs with strict guidance in place of a limit for non-EU players, with Madrid having players such as Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Eder Militao and Fede Valverde in their starting XI.
However, Diario AS highlight how Madrid’s growing confidence over a deal has been complimented by Vinicius now attaining EU citizenship through his residency in Spain. This successful application, delivered after a long wait for a player who had been in the Spanish capital for four years, was confirmed last month.
Furthermore, the club are also hopeful that Eder Militao and Rodrygo will have similar citizenship issues straightened out with both Brazilian stars in the process of applying – with an expectation that this could be finalised within the next year. A separate report in Marca highlights how Madrid have a significant advantage in the race for the central midfielder due to their relations with Dortmund and particularly their CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.
