Real Madrid News
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund separated by €30 million variables in Bellingham talks
Over the past couple of days, it has started to become clear that Real Madrid are in the driver’s seat to secure the signing of primary target Jude Bellingham in the summer transfer window.
Indeed, Los Blancos are understood to be ‘closer than ever’ to capturing the 19-year-old wonderkid’s signing. Talks with the midfielder’s camp have progressed very well and agreement on personal terms is understood to be pretty much sorted.
However, negotiations with Borussia Dortmund remain the final hurdle for Real Madrid to cross in their bid to sign Bellingham in the summer.
And, as per the latest update from Cadena SER, the two clubs are only separated by a €30 million variable payment in negotiations for Bellingham.
The report claims that Real Madrid have prepared a six-year contract for the England international, although some other sources have suggested he would be given a five-year deal.
It is further stated that Bellingham’s salary will only be less than Eden Hazard’s at Real Madrid, placing him on the second step in the payroll structure, while his deal would also consist of a €1 billion release clause.
While there are no hitches expected on the player’s side, the final frontier for the Merengues is coming to an agreement with Dortmund. The Black and Yellows are said to be asking for variables to the tune of €30 million, which is proving to be the bone of contention at this moment.
The two clubs share a good relationship, though, having worked on several deals in the past such as Nuri Sahin, Achraf Hakimi, and Reinier Jesus. And given Bellingham’s desire to move to Madrid, a compromise may well be reached in the coming days or weeks.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid starlet played for Castilla hours after learning about his grandmother’s death
According to AS, Real Madrid youngster Joan Martinez played for Castilla on Friday night with a heavy heart after learning the news of his grandmother’s passing.
Before Real Madrid Castilla’s match against Ibiza yesterday, the young centre-back received devastating news: his grandmother, Matilde, had passed away.
The Merengues’ academy product, however, chose not to share the news publicly, keeping his grief to himself and taking to the pitch without speaking about his loss.
Instead, he played through the grief in what was the toughest match of his life so far, in an act of love, strength and respect for someone who meant so much throughout his life.
A private tribute to his grandmother
As per the report, Martinez wanted the match to serve as an intimate tribute to the person who had been by his side since he first began playing football in his hometown of Alginet, where his family home is based.
Born on 20 August 2007, he had grown up with her support from his earliest days in the game.
Rather than look for excuses or comfort, he chose commitment. Not simply out of a sense of duty to the club, which would have understood his absence, but also out of a personal desire to honour his grandmother and make her proud once more.
The match ended 1-1, earning Castilla a valuable point against one of the division’s leading sides.
It was a difficult game against a difficult opponent in the most difficult of circumstances but Martinez chose to keep fighting.
Martínez continues to work despite an inconsistent season
The young defender has been doing exactly that throughout the campaign, despite experiencing an unusual situation of his own.
After being an undisputed starter last season and regularly featuring under Jose Mourinho with the first team during pre-season, including starting in friendlies against Fiorentina and Ferencvaros, Martinez has endured a more intermittent campaign with Castilla.
The issue has not been his performances, but his playing time. He has become the third-choice centre-back in terms of minutes played, behind Oscar Naasei and Mario Rivas.
But this has not caused Martinez to lower his standards. If anything, he has continued to produce impressive numbers.
He leads the team in several defensive and passing metrics, averaging 1.77 defensive duels won per 90 minutes, 6.2 interceptions, 10.33 recoveries and 53.41 successful passes.
