Real Madrid News
Real Madrid target set to decide future soon, Dortmund ready to offer him huge salary
Jude Bellingham has been one of the hottest prospects in the transfer market lately, as the midfielder has established himself as arguably the most talented young player in the world of football.
Aged just 19, Bellingham has shown exceptional technique, quality and maturity. He has already captained the Borussia Dortmund side a few times and is now facing immense pressure to leave the club in the summer, with Real Madrid among the clubs interested in his services.
According to Florian Plettenberg (h/t Madrid Universal), Bellingham is soon set to make a definitive decision on his future. It appears Borussia Dortmund will meet with the player’s representative in April and during the meeting, a decision on the player’s future will be taken.
A decision is expected to come during the second week of April. One would expect interested parties such as Real Madrid and Manchester City to gauge their next step once the decision is taken.
The report from Plettenberg comes shortly after reports that suggested Borussia Dortmund are keen on keeping hold of the midfielder by offering him a lucrative €12 million per season salary. Such an amount would easily make him the highest-paid player in the Dortmund squad, ahead of captain Marco Reus.
Real Madrid, though, are waiting on the wings and are determined to sign Bellingham, as a potential long-term replacement for Luka Modric. However, it must be noted that the Spanish champions are set to face stiff competition from Manchester City.
Nevertheless, any potential departure of Bellingham in the coming summer could see suitors having to spend a fortune, with Dortmund likely to ask in excess of €100 million for the services of the young Englishman.
Alternatively, Bellingham could end up remaining at Dortmund for another year, which would suit Real Madrid as the club have appeared reluctant in meeting the player’s hefty price tag this summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid dressing room heavyweight raises concern over Vinicius: “We have to make him happy again”
One of the major sagas of the summer transfer window was the contract renewal involving Vinicius Junior.
Real Madrid and Vinicius had been in talks over a new deal for a significant period, and there were stages when it felt like an agreement might not be reached.
However, in the end, the film had a happy ending, with the 26-year-old putting pen to paper on a new deal at the club.
Despite the new deal, there are some concerns over Vinicius that have now reached the dressing room.
As quoted by Diario AS, an unnamed dressing-room heavyweight approached Mourinho after the game and expressed worry about the treatment Vinicius is receiving from a section of the Bernabeu crowd.
“Worried about Vini
The concern came after Vinicius was heavily whistled when he was substituted late in the Inter match, despite producing one of his stronger collective performances of the season.
“Boss, I am worried about Vini,” the senior player told Mourinho.
“After everything he has done for Madrid over the years, the way part of the fans have treated him is not normal. We have to make him happy again.”
This is no longer only about outside criticism or Mourinho publicly defending one of his forwards. The dressing room itself has recognised that Vinicius may need support.
Mourinho still sees Vinicius as untouchable
Despite how the crowd have been treating the 26-year-old, within the club, there is no doubt about what Vinicius brings to the table.
Mourinho sees him as one of the first names on the team sheet and an untouchable player in his plans for the club.
To his credit, the Brazilian has shown far greater defensive commitment and a willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his team.
This has undoubtedly led Mourinho to appreciate the effort, and the manager is determined to help Vinicius return to his best level.
Madrid need to protect one of their key players
That approach makes sense.
Vinicius has spent years carrying enormous attacking responsibility at Madrid. A difficult spell should not suddenly erase what he has already shown he can provide.
If Mourinho, the president and the dressing room are all united behind Vinicius, that support could be decisive.
It is high time the Bernabeu crowd also got behind their talisman and gave him the support he deserves.
The Brazilian will also have to become more consistent with his performances, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho addresses this situation.
