Real Madrid News
Liverpool currently leading the race for €150 million-rated Real Madrid target – Romano
Speaking on the Born And Red YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed that at this point Liverpool are leading the race to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder and Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham.
The 19-year-old midfield sensation is one of the most coveted players in the transfer market ahead of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are battling with Liverpool and Manchester City for Bellingham’s signing while clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United have also been linked with the Englishman.
Los Blancos, for their part, have been pushing for the signing of the teenage midfielder for a long time now.
The reigning champions of Spain and Europe were said to be Bellingham’s preference which had seemingly put them in a strong position to sign the England international in the summer.
But, Romano is now claiming that Liverpool are currently ahead in the race for the former Birmingham City ace, although he does insist that things could change in the future, especially when clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City are involved.
“As of today, Liverpool lead the race for Jude Bellingham. But it can change,” Romano said. “Also, when you are in a race with Real Madrid and Manchester City, it is never safe until you sign the contract,” he added.
“If you asked me in January 2022 where Haaland would play, I wouldn’t have said Manchester City, but in March I would have. So Bellingham race is absolutely open.”
While Liverpool, Real Madrid, and City battle it out for his signing, Dortmund are not giving up without a fight. The Black and Yellows are planning to make a contract offer for the 19-year-old which would make him the highest-paid player at the club.
But, in case they are unable to convince him, the German giants will demand a fee of around €150 million for the midfielder’s services.
There is still a lot of time for the summer transfer window, but all parties involved will likely want to close the deal at the earliest possible. Real Madrid will thus have to up the ante if they are to beat Liverpool to Bellingham’s capture.
As we approach the final phase of the 2022/23 campaign, Real Madrid are facing immense pressure to renew the contracts of two of their veterans Karim Benzema and Luka Modric.
According to a recent report from Josep Pedrerol, Real Madrid have been made aware that Saudi Arabian clubs have contacted the two, with the aim of bringing them to the Middle East to enhance their league.
Modric has been facing an uncertain future with his contract expiring at the end of the season. While he is in talks with Madrid over a renewal, the midfielder has also been approached by Saudi Arabian clubs, as they look to enhance the league by roping in stars from Europe.
Al Nassr notably made headlines earlier in the year by bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. Since then, Saudi clubs have been linked with moves for players like Sergio Ramos, Eden Hazard and even Lionel Messi.
Modric, too, is considered one of the top targets for Saudi clubs. Although the midfielder has expressed his desire to continue at the Bernabeu for at least another year, a deal with Real Madrid has not materialised. This has opened up a window of opportunity for Saudi clubs to make their move.
Meanwhile, Karim Benzema was reported to be close to finalising a renewal recently, but an agreement is yet to be reached. The Frenchman has had his share of struggles with injuries and fitness this season, which has led to questions about his longevity and future at Real Madrid.
While the links to a move to Saudi Arabia have not been as prominent for Benzema, it is expected that the Saudi clubs may jump on any opportunity to lure the striker to the Middle East.
Real Madrid are aware of the situation and are working to secure the futures of their star players. However, with the prospect of lucrative contracts being offered by the Saudi Arabian clubs, the players themselves may be tempted to make the move.
