Real Madrid has emerged as the victor in the race to sign 19-year-old Jude Bellingham, who has become one of the hottest properties in football after a sensational season with Borussia Dortmund.
While interest from Premier League giants like Manchester City was strong, Real Madrid’s Director General Jose Angel Sanchez and chief scout Juni Calafat identified Bellingham as the club’s top target at the start of the season.
Madrid’s courtship of Bellingham included a meeting in Chelsea harbour between the Bellinghams and Calafat in early March, which is thought to have played a role in swaying the decision in the Spanish giants’ favour.
Talks between player and club have been progressing to advanced stages, but an agreement between Dortmund and Real Madrid over a transfer fee is still yet to materialise.
The fee required to bring Bellingham to LaLiga is estimated to be in the region of £115million, despite the fact that the teenager only has two years left on his current contract.
Real chiefs are continuing discussions with their Dortmund counterparts over the final amount and bonuses but believe they are within reach of finalising terms.
While Dortmund will receive a huge financial boost in any deal, boyhood club Birmingham City is set to earn a 15 per cent cut of any deal.
Bellingham’s hefty wages, reported to be around £400,000-a-week, reflect his high value despite his relative inexperience and youth.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
