Real Madrid News
Real Madrid believe €130 million package should be enough to land priority target
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Jude Bellingham has dominated the headlines in the Spanish footballing media in recent years, with the reigning European champions identifying the Borussia Dortmund starlet as their priority transfer target.
It appears Bellingham has been considered the ideal long-term replacement for Luka Modric. The veteran midfielder is expected to continue at Santiago Bernabeu for at least another year, but given his age, the club need to find a proper successor sooner rather than later.
That is where Bellingham comes into the fray. Recent reports suggest the Borussia Dortmund youngster is prepared to join the Spanish outfit and is willing to snub clubs such as Liverpool in the process.
According to Jorge Picon, Real Madrid are aware of the financial implications of signing a player like Bellingham. The Englishman is rated highly by Dortmund, with many expecting him to cost in the range of €150 million.
Picon suggests Real Madrid are ready to make the financial adjustments in order to afford the former Birmingham City starlet.
They believe that a figure of €130 million, including bonuses and variables, should be enough to clinch the deal for the midfielder, whose current contract at Dortmund runs until 2025. And the Merengues are willing to fork out the said amount.
Bellingham, for his part, is said to be keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu as he sees it as the perfect club to make the jump to the next leve in his career.
Real Madrid are yet to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga outfit over any deal for Bellingham. But the two parties have an excellent relationship, and should the Whites push for a move, it will not come as a surprise to see the deal being confirmed in the near future.
However, it remains unlikely Dortmund will let go of their star player in the winter transfer window, especially amid uncertainties over the future of another young sensation in Youssoufa Moukoko.
As such, Bellingham may only be up for sale at the end of the season, which could be a timely move for Real Madrid as there are worries over the continuity of Toni Kroos and Dani Ceballos.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
