Real Madrid News
Real Madrid prepared to enter the bidding war for midfield target after the World Cup
A recent report from MARCA has offered an update on the future of Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund youngster has become one of the most sought-after players in the market, with multiple European giants keen on securing his services.
Bellingham’s current contract at Dortmund does not expire until 2025, but clubs are determined to lure him away from the Bundesliga either in the January transfer window or at the end of the season.
The report from MARCA suggests that there might be a more definitive update on Bellingham’s future after the end of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
The player is expected to announce his decision after the competition ends. He is aware of the interest around him, with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
MARCA claim that the bidding war for Bellingham may even start from the January transfer window, and it appears Real Madrid are more than prepared. They have identified the Englishman as the ideal man to replace Luka Modric, with the club readying a big-money move for the player.
Bellingham is currently valued at around €100 million by Dortmund, but the figure could easily increase if the midfielder continues his form in the upcoming World Cup.
Some even believe that the former Birmingham City starlet could even be worth as much as €150 million, which could make life difficult for not only Real Madrid but also other clubs involved in the chase.
However, Bellingham is surely leaving Dortmund one way or another, with the club chief recently confirming that they are going to hold talks with the player over his future shortly after the World Cup.
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.
