Real Madrid are reportedly on the cusp of signing teenage sensation Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. The Champions League holders have been locked in negotiations with the Bundesliga club and the player’s representatives for weeks now.
According to sources close to the Spanish giants, they have “almost agreed personal terms” with the highly-rated England international.
The prestigious La Liga club deployed their chief scout, Juni Calafat, to help accelerate discussions and get the deal over the line.
A meeting between all parties has been arranged to finalize the blockbuster transfer. While a transfer fee is yet to be settled, Real Madrid are confident an agreement can be reached with Dortmund.
They have reportedly fended off interest from the likes of Premier League powerhouses Manchester City and Liverpool to land their man.
Manchester City were thought to have offered a higher salary, but the 19-year-old midfield maestro only has eyes for the Bernabeu.
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Talks have progressed to such an advanced stage that Bellingham has begun chatting with some Real players and informed his Dortmund teammates of his desire for a move to the Spanish capital.
Liverpool had monitored Bellingham’s situation but recently dropped out of the race, believing the total cost of the transfer did not represent good value.
Manchester United were also intrigued but their interest was dependent on a potential takeover or investment, with the Glazer family interested in relinquishing control or bringing in new investors.
Bellingham joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020 for a club-record £25 million at the tender age of 17. He has since developed into one of the hottest properties in world football.
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For Real, signing Bellingham is not just about the present but also planning for the future. Their legendary midfield duo of Toni Kroos, 33, and Luka Modric, 37, will not play forever.
Real Madrid may be lagging far behind Barcelona in the La Liga title race but remain in the hunt for silverware on two other fronts.
They take on Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals this week and face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.
Landing Bellingham would be a major coup and provide a massive boost ahead of what could be a trophy-laden end to the campaign.
His arrival could also signal the beginning of an exciting new era at the Bernabeu. All signs point to Real Madrid winning the battle for the Birmingham prodigy’s signature.
How much will Birmingham City earn from Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid?
According to Marca, Borussia Dortmund are asking for €140 million (£123.5 million) to sell Jude Bellingham. However, Real Madrid hope to negotiate that price down to between €100-120 million (£88.2 million to £105.9 million) to complete the transfer.
The Athletic reported in November that Birmingham City hold a 5% sell-on clause for any future Bellingham transfer. So if Real Madrid pay the full €140 million, Birmingham would receive around £6.2 million.
But if Real Madrid can lower the price to £105.9 million, Birmingham’s proceeds would decrease to £5.3 million.
