Real Madrid News
English legend calls for new NT role for Real Madrid midfielder: ‘Like Frank Lampard of Chelsea’
Jude Bellingham only just returned from his setback in Real Madrid’s game against Atletico Madrid earlier this month and was called up immediately for NT duty.
He did not participate in England’s game against Uruguay last week, nor is he expected to play against Japan later today, but it is clear that he will be vital for the team come the FIFA World Cup.
One major debate in recent times, however, has been his role for the national team, as he has often been used deeper in midfield than where he plays for Real Madrid.
English legend talks about Bellingham’s NT role
Manchester United and England great Rio Ferdinand spoke on the Real Madrid star’s role with the national team in a recent interview (h/t The Madrid Zone) and explained why there is a need for his role to change.
Explaining how Bellingham’s brilliance and magic should be utilised closer to the goal, Ferdinand said,
“I want Jude Bellingham to be the moments guy with England,” he began.
Explaining what he meant by Bellingham being a ‘moments’ guy, the former defender said,
“Yeah, when there’s time to keep the ball and be the extra man in midfield, great.”
“But I want him to be the Frank Lampard of Chelsea in the England team and come up with big, special goals, like he’s done for Real Madrid before,” he added.
So far this season, Bellingham has played 19 La Liga games for Real Madrid and has four goals and three assists to show.
He averages 1.6 key passes per game and has created three big chances.
What has hindered his seamless participation, however, is Arda Guler’s rise, and it remains a struggle for management to devise a strategy that allows both players to coexist in harmony.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed to sign Man United gem as total cost could exceed €10-15 million
Things seem to be heating up with regard to the future of wantaway Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel.
Real Madrid are one of the clubs pursuing the teenage wonderkid, who has made it clear that he does not wish to continue with the Premier League club.
Apart from Los Blancos, other top European clubs like FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on the English starlet.
Real Madrid, Barcelona best placed
In a major development, Sky Germany now reports that Real Madrid and Barcelona have emerged as the clubs best positioned to sign Gabriel.
The teenage attacking midfielder is understood to be giving preference to a move to Spain despite Bayern Munich intensifying their pursuit.
Real Madrid are understood to be in active negotiations with Gabriel and his camp, while his representatives continue to talk with multiple other clubs before a final decision is made.
But his preference to move to Spain gives Los Blancos an advantage, along with Barcelona.
However, there could be some issues in the deal going through smoothly because of the financial aspects of the operation.
€10-15 million total package
According to the German outlet, the total package to sign Gabriel, including transfer fees, wages, and bonus payments, among others, could end up costing in excess of €10-15 million.
Previous reports suggested that Manchester United would seek a training compensation of €300,000, while the player’s camp was said to be seeking a seven-figure salary.
But, if the aforementioned report is to be believed, the total cost of the operation seems to be coming out much higher at around €10-15 million.
Such a figure for a player who has just turned 16 a week ago could be seen as excessive despite the potential and talent he possesses.
It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this transfer saga as Gabriel remains determined to leave Manchester United and is angling a move to Spain, putting Real Madrid and Barcelona in the driving seat.
