Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target is ‘not replaceable’, will fetch ‘a lot of money’, claims director
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has again reacted to Jude Bellingham’s future and speculations linking him to a move to Santiago Bernabeu in the coming summer.
The former midfielder has mentioned earlier that Dortmund have had no offer on the table for Bellingham just yet. In a recent interaction, the sporting director has suggested that Dortmund could be hard to negotiate with, even for Real Madrid.
“Jude Bellingham is a player who cannot be replaced. In the state he is & with his potential, he is an incredible player. He’s not replaceable, not even with a lot of money,” Kehl said (h/t MARCA).
Formerly of Birmingham City, Bellingham has enjoyed unprecedented success since joining Dortmund in 2020. He has featured in 132 competitive matches for the club and has been involved in almost 50 goals.
Due to his success, it was suggested that Dortmund would demand a hefty price for the services of the Englishman. There were even reports of figures far exceeding the €100 million mark.
Kehl echoed a similar attitude, adding, “If Jude leaves, it will be possible for us to get a lot of money according to market prices.”
The comments of the Borussia Dortmund director could make life difficult for Real Madrid, even though they have the approval of the player. With the German outfit unwilling to sell the youngster on a cut-price deal, Real Madrid may have no choice but to break the bank this coming summer.
This, in turn, could impact the club’s activity in the transfer market, potentially ruining their plans to sign an additional midfielder in the form of Gabri Veiga, who was valued at around €30 million this summer.
Real Madrid set out on a mission to change the minds of Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Nacho Fernandez earlier this week. After all, all three players were contemplating a departure from the club for a gross lack of minutes.
Los Blancos’ latest approach seems to have impacted Ceballos’ position in a positive fashion. However, Fabrizio Romano reveals that it has not changed Marco Asensio’s mind.
According to the Italian journalist, the Spaniard will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season as a free agent.
Of the numerous options on his table, he sees Aston Villa and PSG to be the best bets. In fact, Villa have already submitted their opening bid for the player as revealed by Fabrizio Romano once again.
After a dramatic final day of action in the Premier League, Aston Villa finished in the European spots and will participate in the UEFA Conference League next season. While a move to the English club would be a steep step down, it will see Asensio receive regular playing time.
Paris-Saint Germain, on that front, appears the more probable destination. The French club are close to losing both Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr ahead of the new season, and Asensio would thus fit in as a starting quality winger. Moreover, they offer Champions League football.
The Spaniard’s role at Real Madrid this season has not been minor by any means considering his contributions. In 30 La Liga appearances, the 27-year-old has scored nine goals and provided six assists in addition to creating nine big chances and averaging 1.4 key passes per game.
However, that does not satisfy the winger who wishes to be a starter week in and week out. His departure in June appears to be now written in stone, and the club should feel hard done to not make a penny of his move.
Many in Los Blancos’ administration see Brahim Diaz as a direct replacement for the Spanish international if he leaves. Needless to say, the AC Milan star’s future will closely depend on Asensio’s situation.
