Real Madrid News
Real Madrid confident of beating Liverpool in Jude Bellingham race
Jude Bellingham was one of England’s top performers in the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, scoring once and providing one assist in five games for the Three Lions. The youngster is already one of the most sought-after talents in world football, and the demand for him now is higher than ever.
According to reports from BILD, the management of Real Madrid are convinced about signing the midfielder in the summer. His transfer is now said to be an ‘absolute priority’. Furthermore, they are now confident of pulling ahead of Liverpool.
Los Blancos have been actively pursuing his signature for several months now but took a step back after learning that Liverpool were throwing the kitchen sink for his move. Now, they have re-entered talks and will push hard to make his arrival at the Bernabeu possible.
The sudden revival in their interest could be due to a sudden realisation of the graveness of their midfield situation. Luka Modric, at 37 years of age does not have a lot of gas left in his tank while Toni Kroos’ future is hazy too.
Only Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde can claim a guaranteed starting spot on the team in the near future. There is a real need for another quality reinforcement in the summer, and Bellingham is the chosen one.
In fifteen Bundesliga appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season, the teenager has scored three goals and provided two assists. His influence on the UEFA Champions League has been unreal too, with five goal-contributions in as many appearances.
Given that his contract with Dortmund runs until 2025, Bellingham could command a steep transfer fee, with some outlets suggesting it could go as high as €150 million.
But, as per BILD, Real Madrid are now confident of landing the 19-year-old, with Liverpool now seeing the chances of them signing him as only ‘moderate’.
If Real Madrid fail to sign the Borussia Dortmund star, Enzo Fernandez of Benfica promises to be a strong alternative. The Merengues are paying attention to his situation too, especially after his stellar World Cup run.
According to MARCA, Eder Militao is seen as the undisputed leader of the Real Madrid defence, thanks to his ‘impeccable’ level of performances. The 25-year-old’s standing in the team has forced a duel between David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger for the second centre-back slot.
Militao arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2019, joining from FC Porto in a deal worth €50 million. While he made a slow start to life in Spain, the Brazilian slowly grew in stature from his second season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Following the exits of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Militao established himself as a permanent fixture in the backline for the Merengues and was a standout performer last season as they won the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy.
The 25-year-old has carried on in the same vein of form this season as well, featuring in 35 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid, even chipping in with six goals.
The Brazilian international is seen as one of the best centre-backs in the world currently, with Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sharing that opinion.
“I may lose credibility if I say Vinicius and Militão are the best striker and defender in the world respectively but it’s the truth. I am honest. Militão lacks nothing,” he had said last month.
Militao is not only viewed as the leader of the Real Madrid defence, but has also grown into a leader within the locker room as well, with the player being loved and fully supported by his teammates.
Militao’s presence has meant that Alaba and Rudiger have had to battle it out for the lone centre-back slot. The former had enjoyed a stunning season last time out after joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, but has struggled with injuries and fitness problems this term.
As for Rudiger, the German arrived last summer from Chelsea and started out slow, but has grown in confidence and stature, especially in recent months. So much so that, his signing is already being regarded as a success within the club.
In Militao, Real Madrid undoubtedly have a long-term fixture at the heart of the defence. But with Rudiger and Alaba in their thirties, the Merengues must look to bring in one more player who can take over from them in the near future and can form a partnership with Militao.
