Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham is one of the most sought-after young players in world football, with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all heavily linked with the midfielder in recent months.
His performances for England in the World Cup only served to increase interest in the 19-year-old, who shone on the most competitive stage in the sport. Liverpool’s interest in the player has been long-standing since the summer.
The links with Merseyside seemed to intensify during the World Cup, not only because of Bellingham’s tremendous displays for his country, but also because of his reported strong relationship with England teammate and Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson during England’s World Cup camp.
However, Spanish journalist Carlos Forjanes, writing for AS, reports that Real Madrid are now leading the race to sign Bellingham. Forjanes writes that Bellingham’s preference is not to return to England. As Real Madrid are the only non-English club in the hunt for Bellingham, it stands to reason that if the youngster does not wish to return to England, Madrid is a strong contender for his next destination.
Forjanes suggests that Real Madrid’s strong relationship with Borussia Dortmund will also help them in them in their bid to bring Bellingham to the Bernabeu. Forjanes also reports that the move could cost Madrid upwards of €100 million but that the Spanish giants can afford it.
⚠️ El @realmadrid está en la pole position por Jude Bellingham
📍 Pese a su gran Mundial, la joya inglesa le está transmitiendo a los grandes de la Premier que prioriza no volver a Inglaterra
Más info en @diarioas https://t.co/GSf4Nx4Iz3
— | C. A. Forjanes | (@Forjanes_AS) December 22, 2022
Jurgen Klopp praised the Bellingham earlier this week.
Now GOAL have also reported that Real Madrid are set to prioritise a move for Bellingham in the summer. GOAL report that Bellingham has always been their top midfield target despite their interest in Enzo Fernandez.
