Real Madrid completed their first signing of the summer transfer window in English international with Jude Bellingham.
Who Is Jude Bellingham?
The former Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham youngster signed with the Galácticos for 100 million euros, along with 30 million add-on fees. The 19-year-old midfielder will be following in the footsteps of French legend Zinedine Zidane by wearing the number five on his back.
Bellingham is a versatile player who can play anywhere in the midfield. During the World Cup, Bellingham was a prime candidate for best and youngest player of the tournament, ranking behind the winner of the cup, Enzo Fernandez.
The English midfielder was a target for many top clubs, including Chelsea and Liverpool. The Reds appeared to be the likely destination for Bellingham until they lost to Madrid. In his opening press conference on Thursday, Bellingham said, “I was at the final when Madrid beat Liverpool, that was a huge factor in my decision to join Real.”
He continued to show his admiration for the club when saying, “The reason I said this is the proudest day of my life is because it’s the greatest club in the history of the game.”
Real Madrid club president Fiorentino Perez expressed his favouritism for the new player “You come to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, a club we respect and have friendship with. There you were named Player of the Season in a competition as good as the Bundesliga.”
Bellingham responded positively to the pressure that comes with the white shirt. “At Dortmund, I’ve been given bigger roles each year and I’ve adapted well to them because of my teammates, family, and coaches.
Rebuild
With the departure of Karim Benzema and his money move to Saudi Arabia, Madrid is now in desperate search of attacking threats. Bellingham has been a key part of Dortmund’s success this year, coming in second place in the Bundesliga. He registered eight goals and four assists for the German club.
Even at his young age, he was captain of the club and displayed many leadership qualities. His attacking mindset alongside players in the midfield like Tchouameni, Camavinga, Modric, and Kroos made Madrid’s midfield one of the most dangerous in the world.
Bellingham is one of the key signings Madrid obtained this summer with their number nine still missing. Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are two players still in sight for the Spanish club. Madrid hopes to lure the likes of Harry Kane, another English international player, and teammate of Bellingham, who also looks to leave his current club, Tottenham Hotspur.
Madrid is also in the selling market with players like Asensio, Valverde, Carvajal, and many more potentially heading out.