Real Madrid News
Bellingham turned down Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG for ‘suspicious finances’ – report
It surely cannot be a simple decision for a player to choose his next destination in the world of football, let alone when all the options on the table are champions in their own right.
Such was the plight of Jude Bellingham less than a month ago. With Real Madrid, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, and Chelsea at his doorstep, the Englishman was spoilt for choices.
According to reports from SPORT1, Bellingham had a rather unique mode of eliminating the candidates interested.
The midfielder did not want to join a club with ‘suspicious finances’ in today’s world of Financial Fair Play and that was the criteria by which he eliminated not only Manchester City but also PSG and Chelsea.
Despite Pep Guardiola’s side going on the aggressive to sign him, Bellingham did not sway.
In fact, the youngster had a far more lucrative offer on the table from England than what Real Madrid offered him. However, his priority has always been a strong sporting project and that was the factor that steered his decision.
The Merengues are now ‘closer than ever’ to completing their dream target’s acquisition. But talks with Borussia Dortmund are yet to take off, although there is optimism that it will not be a major issue.
Moreover, an agreement with the player to sign a five-year contract until 2028 is also understood to be close.
In 29 Bundesliga appearances for the German outfit this season, the 19-year-old has scored five goals and provided four assists. Further, he averages 1.1 key passes per game and has created eight big chances.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
