Real Madrid have reportedly registered their interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Since joining Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City as a teenager back in 2019, the English midfielder has grown into one of the most promising young talents in world football. He has been a key player for the Yellow and Black again this season, registering three goals and seven assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances, thereby, attracting interest from a host of top European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to The Bild, Real Madrid have identified Jude Bellingham as a potential arrival in 2023, with the Spanish heavyweights viewing him as an ideal long-term replacement for Luka Modric.
Bellingham, 18, has turned out 83 times for Dortmund so far, with 47 of those outings coming in the ongoing campaign. He has become a much sought-after player in the transfer market, with Liverpool among clubs also setting sights on him.
However, any deal could cost in the region of €100 million if Real Madrid are to sign Bellingham, the report adds.
Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid—A sensational signing?
Real Madrid could be in for a midfield shakeup in the summer following the growing uncertainties surrounding the futures of Isco and Dani Ceballos. Isco is expected to leave the club as a free agent at the end of the summer when his contract expires, while Ceballos is keen on playing regularly after growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities under Carlo Ancelotti.
In addition, Toni Kroos hasn’t been at his best this season after returning from a long-term groin problem, and with Luka Modric not getting any younger at 36, signing a central midfielder is rightly in Ancelotti’s plans. This, thus, makes Jude Bellingham a viable target for Los Blancos.
Bellingham, due to his versatility to play in different positions across the midfield, would fit well into Ancelotti’s system at Real Madrid. A crisp passer of the ball, the England international can dictate the tempo of games, dominate midfield battles, create chances for his teammates and score goals in equal measure, which is scary for someone aged 18.
Also, the teenager has impressed the onlookers with his work ethic, tactical discipline and versatility in Dortmund’s engine room, making him a valuable asset in the second line of press.
Jude Bellingham has done brilliantly to average 1.5 shots, 1.1 aerials won, 1.2 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. Add his 83.3% passing accuracy to 1.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 0.2 blocks, and he looks to be developing into a top box-to-box midfielder. (stats courtesy: whoscored)
Real Madrid can definitely benefit from signing someone of Bellingham’s quality as he will enhance the standard of Ancelotti’s first XI. The Englishman would add more goals and creativity to Les Merengues‘ midfield, whilst being a perfect long-term replacement for the ageing Modric.
But with Liverpool also interested in the 18-year-old Dortmund whiz kid, Real cannot afford to wait for him until 2023.
