Transfer News: Jude Bellingham signs for Real Madrid
It has been announced that Real Madrid have completed the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal.
The Spanish giants will pay 103m euros for the 19-year-old, in addition to various potential add-ons. If those add-ons are achieved, the deal could reach 133.9m euros.
Bellingham was one of England's top performers at last year's World Cup and was named the Bundesliga's player of the season as Dortmund missed out on a first league title in 11 years on the final day.
This initial fee means he becomes the second-most expensive English footballer after Jack Grealish when Manchester City paid Aston Villa £100m in 2021.
Bellingham told the German club’s official website: “Thank you, everyone, associated with BVB and the fans for everything over the last three years. It was an honour to wear your jersey so many times whether it was in the high or low moments. Whilst I’m happy about my next destination I will never forget the journey I went on to get there.
Dortmumd CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke added on the same platform: "We thank Jude for three passion-filled years at Borussia Dortmund. It was a fantastic time together. Our thanks also go to Real Madrid for the always fair and constructive discussions."
He started his career at Birmingham City.
He began a two-year scholarship with Birmingham in July 2019. The following month, he started an EFL Cup first-round trip against Portsmouth and became their youngest-ever first-team player.
He then made his first Football League appearance 19 days later, as a second-half substitute in a defeat away to Swansea City and his home debut came on 31st August against Stoke City. Replacing the injured Jefferson Montero after half an hour, Bellingham scored the winner as Birmingham came back from 1–0 down to beat Stoke 2–1. Bellingham then moved to Dortmund ahead of the 2020/2021 season and started to shine again for them.
During his time with Dortmund, Bellingham scored 24 goals and provided 25 assists. Despite his successful time at the German side, he never won the Bundesliga. In fact, his only major trophy was the DFB-Pokal.
Where could he play?
There has been a lot of discussion about where Jude could fit it in for the Spanish side. Some have said that he has the attributes to be a versatile star for Real. His former youth coach reportedly said that he wore the number 22 shirt for club and country due to his ability to thrive in different roles in midfield.
This video below from Jude Bellingham shows some of his best moments in the Bundesliga.
What are the fans saying?
Frankis, a Borussia Dortmund Season Ticket holder, told us: "When he was at the peak of his powers during the World Cup with England, I can imagine the Read Madrid and other people watching on. We knew from then that he was going to move this summer. "
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder, gave his thoughts: "This is a fantastic signing for Real Madrid. I wish, my team was signing him."
