Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund to secure the signing of English midfielder Jude Bellingham for a fee of 103 million euros (£88.5 million). The 19-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, impressed with his performances during the previous World Cup.
Bellingham is keen on the move and is expected to undergo a medical examination in the coming days. The midfielder, who had attracted interest from several top European clubs, will sign a six-year contract with Real Madrid.
Dortmund has officially confirmed the deal, stating that Real Madrid will pay 103 million euros, with additional potential add-ons that could push the total value to 133.9 million euros (£115 million).
Manchester City and Liverpool had also expressed interest in signing Bellingham, who is set to become the world’s third-most expensive teenager. However, Liverpool withdrew from the race due to the high cost involved. Earlier this year, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp compared the notion of expensive transfers to a “child wanting a Ferrari for Christmas.”
When Bellingham left Birmingham for Dortmund in a £25 million deal, he became the most expensive 17-year-old in football history. Despite some criticism over Birmingham retiring his shirt number after only one full season of professional football, Bellingham excelled at Dortmund and even became the club’s youngest captain at the age of 19.
This season, Bellingham has made 42 appearances for Dortmund, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists. His move to Real Madrid represents a significant step in his promising career.
