Real Madrid are preparing to negotiate a fee with Dortmund after England midfielder Jude Bellingham opted for an end-of-season switch to the Bernabéu.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham has opted to join Real Madrid, AS has learned. The England midfielder believes a switch to Spain is the best next step in his career, and is preparing to inform Los Blancos of his decision.
Real Madrid unwilling to pay more than €120m for Bellingham
Madrid’s next move will be to thrash out a deal with Dortmund. Bernabéu chiefs were eager for Bellingham to confirm the Spanish capital as his chosen destination before they began negotiating a fee, as this is a bargaining chip that can help them avoid being pulled into a bidding war with Manchester City, their chief rivals in the race to sign the 19-year-old.
Although Bellingham is Madrid’s priority target, the Spanish and European champions are determined not to pay more than €120 million for him. If Dortmund hold out for a higher fee, Madrid will call off their pursuit of the player - but they don’t expect this to happen.
Madrid’s charm offensive pays off
Bellingham is out of contract at Signal Iduna Park in 2026. Dortmund are keen to keep hold of the youngster for at least another season, but his mind is made up: he wants a new challenge. As the days go by and the Germans’ planned talks with Bellingham over his future continue to be delayed - they were originally scheduled for January - there is a growing acceptance at the club that they are not going to be able to persuade him to stay.
Madrid have been working on the signing of Bellingham for several months now. In March, AS reported that Los Merengues had sent a representative to Germany to sit down with the player and sell the club to him. The visit appears to have been a productive one, as Bellingham has now chosen Madrid over City, who emerged as the club’s main competitors after Liverpool ended their interest.
Madrid continue to rejuvenate midfield options
Bellingham’s arrival would represent the latest step in Madrid’s efforts to bring in fresh blood in midfield. Luka Modric and Toni Kroos may well both remain at the Bernabéu for another season, but the veteran pair are coming to the end of their careers. Bellingham would join Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde among the club’s next generation of midfielders.
The Englishman has established himself as one of the stars of the Bundesliga and a fixture in his national team. This season, he has made 39 appearances for Dortmund - scoring 11 goals and supplying seven assists - and his fine form has helped Edin Terzic’s men to the top of the German league. Securing the domestic title would be the perfect way to cap his Dortmund career
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