The biggest signing of the 2023 summer transfer window is done as Real Madrid have announced the signing of 19-year-old English midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Los Blancos signed the Birmingham-born midfielder for £88.5 million from German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal. The total fee could rise to £115 million, making him the club’s second most expensive signing of all time behind Eden Hazard, whose contract was terminated at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Bellingham chose to continue his career abroad despite interest from some of the biggest Premier League clubs: Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. At different points in the Bellingham transfer saga, Liverpool and Manchester City were said to be in the lead for his signature, having made contact with him while he was on international duty with the England Three Lions.
However, the asking price from Dortmund kept both clubs from making any progress allowing the financially buoyant Real Madrid to step in.
Bellingham signs for six years as the last piece of the 14-time UEFA Champions League winners’ midfield rebuild. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos will remain at the club for one more season to mentor the new generation including Bellingham, then be moved on after their contracts expire so that Los Blancos fans will watch their new midfield flourish.
Bellingham leaves Germany as the Bundesliga player of the year but with the disappointment of losing out on the title on the last day.
In a heartfelt farewell statement from the England international posted on the Dortmund website, he thanked the fans and assured them of his continued support. Bellingham said: “Thank you to everyone at BVB and to the fans for everything over the past three years.
“It’s been an honour to wear your jersey so many times, in big and small moments. Even though I look forward to my next destination, I will never forget the journey there. Once Borussia always Borussia. All the best for the future.”
Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke thanked the Birmingham City Academy product as well as Real Madrid for smooth business. “We thank Jude for three years of passion for Borussia Dortmund. It was a fantastic time together,” Watzke said.
“We would also like to thank Real Madrid for the always fair and constructive discussions.”
Bellingham will join up with Real Madrid and be unveiled to the fans after the June international break, which he is expected to feature prominently for England in.
The Black and Yellows, meanwhile, have identified Spanish talent Ivan Fresneda as Bellingham’s replacement. They are working to get the deal over the line but have to battle the likes of Barcelona and Arsenal, who also hold interests in the young midfielder.
