Real Madrid is in the process of preparing a transfer bid of more than €100 million to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, sources told ESPN on Friday. The reigning La Liga champions are allegedly looking to accelerate the transfer process in January so as to complete Bellingham’s transfer ahead of other clubs who are also looking to secure the player’s signature.
In addition to Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool have all been listed as teams that have expressed an interest in signing the teenager, with Liverpool currently being viewed as the favorite to win this transfer race.
Despite Liverpool’s status as the frontrunner, Madrid is confident of their ability to hijack the deal thanks to their status and financial capabilities. The Spanish club will also rely on the close relationship between club president Florentino Perez and Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke to facilitate the deal.
While Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to admire the abilities of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, he remains wary of the players’ ages and the resulting need to secure young talent. Modric is 37 years old while Kroos, who turns 33 next week, has admitted that retirement is weighing on his mind.
