Real Madrid News
Chelsea were interested in signing 20-year-old Real Madrid blockbuster new arrival
Jude Bellingham has been making headlines week after week since his move to Real Madrid. The new signing was initially in the limelight for his spectacular level of training and has carried his form into the official games.
Los Blancos’ pursuit of the player, however, was not easy by any means. The men in white toiled to fight off competition, and the player’s clarity of mind over joining Real Madrid finally sealed the deal.
According to reports from The Athletic, Chelsea and many other top European clubs were eyeing the Borussia Dortmund star’s signing this summer but talks did not progress.
However, the Blues’ hierarchy in London believed that the player would only choose between Manchester City or Real Madrid, who committed to paying €100 million for his services.
As such, they put an end to their pursuit of the England international early in the game and started focusing on other options, and have ended up with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Worth every dime
As for Bellingham, Real Madrid signed the midfield prodigy from Dortmund three months ago in a deal that cost €103 million plus bonuses.
While there was initially doubt over the player’s ability to perform given the price tag, he has shut his doubters down, in style.
In just two official games for Real Madrid, the 20-year-old rising star has scored a staggering three goals and provided one assist.
More importantly, he has been the team’s most important player on the field from a creative standpoint.
Bellingham gets the fans’ approval
It is no secret that the new signing is one of the world’s most elite talents in the middle of the park.
His quality on the ball combined with the dedication he shows to the badge has earned him love from supporters across the globe.
The most striking parameter that illustrates his popularity is the jersey sales from the club’s official stores.
According to reports, Bellingham’s shirt, alongside Vinicius’, is the highest-selling jersey for Real Madrid.
Safe to say that Los Blancos are already reaping the rewards for investing heavily in the 20-year-old English wonderkid.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid full-back never considered summer exit, would retire at club if given chance
Ferland Mendy finds himself in a difficult situation at Real Madrid. The Frenchman has struggled with injury and fitness woes for a large part of the past year, leading to doubts over his future at the club.
In fact, it had been reported that Los Blancos were considering selling Mendy during the summer transfer window earlier this year itself.
But, such a move did not materialise and the 28-year-old has stayed put at the Santiago Bernabeu although reports suggest that he is likely to be on the move next year.
Mendy would retire at Real Madrid if he could
Despite there having been numerous reports about his future in the summer, The Athletic reports that Mendy did not consider the possibility of an exit at any point.
In fact, the report adds that if given a chance, the 28-year-old defender would retire at Real Madrid.
Mendy’s contract with Los Merengues expires in 2025 and he is understood to be seeking a renewal for a while now, but there has been no move made by the club.
The injuries that the 28-year-old has picked up are understood to be a major deterrent for Real Madrid, which is why they are already looking to reinforce the left-back position with Alphonso Davies next year.
Mendy enjoys Ancelotti’s trust
Despite the non-stop speculations surrounding him, Mendy continues to enjoy the full trust of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Indeed, as per the report, the Italian tactician has informed the Frenchman that he is the left-back that best fits the defensive requirements needed in the team.
Ancelotti’s decision to bench Fran Garcia in the UEFA Champions League game even though Mendy was unavailable and start David Alaba at left-back was taken as an indicator within the dressing room that the Frenchman remains the first-choice in the position.
So, it remains to be seen how the situation unfolds over the coming months, especially with Ancelotti’s future also uncertain as his contract expires in 2024.
