Real Madrid News
Real Madrid leading race for €150 million midfielder after February meeting with entourage
Jude Bellingham continues to be one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market ahead of the summer window. Clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are all gunning for the Borussia Dortmund man’s signing.
The 19-year-old has firmly established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the game thanks to his performances for Dortmund and the England national team.
Real Madrid, who are set to undergo a transition from their old guard to the new faces in midfield, have made Bellingham their priority target ahead of the summer.
However, interest from Manchester City and Liverpool threatened to derail their pursuit of the England international, with reports suggesting that the teenager preferred a return to his homeland rather than a move to Spain.
But, according to the latest report from BILD, Real Madrid are now leading the race to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund.
It is claimed that Los Blancos met with the midfielder’s father, Mark, in February, which has seemingly put them in good stead in the race.
The catch, however, is that the German giants will continue to demand a massive transfer fee of €150 million for their prized asset.
It has been previously reported that Los Blancos remain firm on their stance of not wanting to meet that steep valuation for the 19-year-old despite their strong interest in acquiring his services.
Dortmund, for their part, have also been planning to offer Bellingham a new contract with bumper wages that would make him the highest earner at the club, in order to convince him to stay for one more year at least.
However, an exit seems to be written on the cards for Bellingham. What remains to be determined is his next destination and Real Madrid are said to be well-placed to sign him at this point, but as the old adage goes, it is not over until it is over.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid defender takes major step towards comeback; set for return after international break
Real Madrid are finally beginning to see a clear path back for Eder Militao, with the defender now in the final phase of his rehabilitation and increasingly expected to return after the next international break.
Militao has been sidelined since suffering a tear to the proximal biceps femoris tendon in his left leg during the meeting with Alaves last April.
The injury required surgery, but his recovery has now reached a stage where his return can be discussed in more concrete terms.
Militao steps up rehabilitation at Valdebebas
While Real Madrid completed their preparations for Tuesday night’s trip to Elche, Militao was working separately from the main group at the Valdebebas Training Centre.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Brazilian defender carried out specific exercises with the club’s rehabilitation staff and physiotherapists on pitches 1 and 2.
The work represents another step in a recovery process that has kept him away from competitive action for several months.
Mind you, Militao will not be involved against Elche, but the latest signs are considerably more encouraging for what comes next.
Return now expected after international break
The timeline surrounding Militao’s comeback is finally becoming clearer. Provided his recovery continues at its current pace, Real Madrid expect the centre-back to be available to Mourinho once the international break is over.
That break is scheduled to take place from the end of September into the first week of October, meaning Militao could be back by mid-October at the latest.
For a defender who has endured another significant spell on the sidelines, simply having a defined target gives an important moment in his rehabilitation.
Real Madrid still missing players
Militao’s progress is particularly welcome because Real Madrid continue to deal with several absences in the squad.
On that note, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy remain on the injury list and are not expected to return as quickly as Militao.
Both these players are therefore ruled out of the Elche fixture, leaving Mourinho without several established options.
Beyond Elche, though, Militao’s return offers Real Madrid something far more valuable: another experienced defensive option for the demanding weeks ahead.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, the Brazilian is now entering the final stretch, and if there are no setbacks, Real Madrid could have their defender back in the squad around the middle of October.
