Real Madrid News
Real Madrid unwilling to splash €150 million to sign Liverpool target, move ‘complicated’
Even though the summer transfer window is months away, the race for the signing of Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham is intensifying, with Real Madrid and Liverpool emerging as the strongest contenders for his signing.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Liverpool had emerged as the frontrunners for the 19-year-old’s signing.
Now, MARCA is claiming that Liverpool’s presence in the transfer battle has left Real Madrid feeling that signing Bellingham in the summer of 2023 could be ‘complicated’.
Los Blancos are rebuilding their squad bit by bit, especially in midfield, having brought in Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the last two summer windows. Bellingham is seen as the next piece of the puzzle as the club prepare for life after veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
But, Liverpool are pushing hard to sign the 19-year-old Englishman as well, as Jurgen Klopp looks to refresh his ageing midfield unit. They are also particularly intent on beating Real Madrid to his signing after facing defeat in pursuit of Tchouameni last summer.
As a result, Real Madrid are seeing the signing of Bellingham as ‘complicated’ at this point, which is made even trickier by the midfielder’s valuation.
Indeed, German sources are indicating that Dortmund will demand a sum of €150 million for Bellingham, who is contracted with the club until 2025 and has no release clause embedded in it.
And, Los Blancos have no intention of shelling out that much amount to sign the 19-year-old. While that does not mean that they are throwing in the towel already, Real Madrid do not wish to do anything ‘crazy’ to capture the signing of the former Birmingham City ace.
Bellingham has enjoyed a rapid rise to superstardom since joining Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020. At just 19, he is one of the most coveted midfielders in Europe, with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United also said to be keen, apart from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
With a major transfer battle set to take place for his signing, it will be interesting to see where the England star ends up next summer.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool monitoring 19-year-old Bundesliga wonderkid – Romano
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all monitoring Bayer Leverkusen and Germany wonderkid Florian Wirtz.
After recovering from his ACL injury, the teenage sensation has been slowly working his way back to his best form. So far this term, Wirtz has managed to rack up a tally of two goals and six assists from 13 matches in all competitions.
The 19-year-old’s talent and potential have never been in question and hence it does not come as a surprise that elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are all keeping tabs on the German international.
A versatile attacking midfielder, Wirtz is capable of playing anywhere in the final third of the pitch and backs up with top-notch end product. Be it as a false-nine or in a more withdrawn role, the youngster has excelled for Bayer Leverkusen, catching the attention of top teams.
Real Madrid, for their part, are also understood to be among Wirtz’s admirers. Given the situation surrounding Karim Benzema’s fitness and the lack of backup at the top, the youngster could be an option, as he has shown potential while operating through the middle.
But Barcelona also have a strong interest in the teenager with reports even suggesting that they have already made contact with his father to enquire about his situation.
At the same time, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to be a huge admirer of his fellow German and with Roberto Firmino on his way out, Wirtz could be lined up as a possible replacement.
However, Romano adds that the expectation is that Wirtz could stay at Bayer Leverkusen for one more year and depart Germany once the UEFA Euro 2024 is out of the way.
For now, there have been talks or negotiations with any clubs, but Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are all tracking Wirtz and his progress in Germany.
