Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jude Bellingham.
Madrid are expected to pay Dortmund in excess of €100m (£86m; $107m) in what will be one of the biggest transfers in either club’s history.
The deal isn’t signed yet, but that’s part of the formalities that will follow. Bellingham, 19, is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days.
Dortmund confirmed news of the agreement later on Wednesday afternoon. A club statement states: “By carrying out this transfer, Real Madrid will pay BVB a fixed transfer fee of EUR 103.0 million.”
“In addition, the payment of variable transfer fees up to a maximum total of around 30 percent of the amount of the fixed transfer fee has been agreed. Such variable transfer fees are dependent on the achievement of certain sporting achievements by Real Madrid and/or on the player’s sporting achievements or performance at Real Madrid over the next six seasons.”
The Athletic reported over the weekend that Madrid believe their bid for Bellingham is on track as the La Liga side negotiate with Dortmund.
Manchester City and other potential Bellingham suitors, meanwhile, believe Madrid is the Englishman’s preferred destination.
City’s desire to sign Bellingham from Dortmund is well documented as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season.
Although City had a tangible interest in the player, City made no offers or financial figures regarding a transfer fee or salary to either Dortmund or Bellingham.
In April, Liverpool pulled out of the Bellingham race after the expected price and overall financial package were deemed too high.
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Bellingham has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders and a number of the continent’s biggest sides have watched his situation at Dortmund before.
The Birmingham City Academy graduate rose through the ranks at the Championship club before joining Dortmund in the summer of 2020.
He established himself as a key player in the Bundesliga side, often captaining them and becoming a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England team.
Bellingham is expected to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu, joining a slew of young midfield talents that Madrid have been building in recent years.
Eduardo Camavinga was signed from Rennes in the summer of 2020, while fellow Frenchman Aurelien Tchouameni arrived from Monaco last summer.
The Athletic revealed in April that veterans Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are both expected to sign contract extensions at Madrid. Federico Valverde, who used to play in the forward line but sees his future in midfield, is another regular for head coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti has also told the club hierarchy that he wants Tottenham Hotspur striker and Bellingham’s England team-mate Harry Kane at the club, while Karim Benzema joins Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad.
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Mark Carey has analyzed here in detail where Jude Bellingham could fit in at Real Madrid and how he compares to other leading midfielders across Europe… here is a section of that analysis…
“Bellingham should be able to adapt to Real Madrid’s tactical style without too much difficulty as he has shown that he is comfortable in a 4-3-3 formation and has clear counterattacking strengths.” In fact, the model shows, that Madrid leads in terms of tactical fit compared to some of the best clubs in Europe.
“His versatility to play anywhere in midfield will be a huge asset, but there is little doubt that Bellingham will be the long-term midfield replacement for either Luka Modric or Toni Kroos – both of whom are at the end of their careers.”
“One thing is clear: Bellingham has earned the right to join Real Madrid. He is a generational talent joining what is arguably the most decorated football club in the world. It should fit perfectly.”
Why Bellingham was the best young player in the Bundesliga
Analysis by Raphael Honigstein
While Bellingham had to sit out the tragic end of the Dortmund season at the end of May due to a knee injury, Jamal Musiala came on from Bayern Munich and scored the historic winning goal in Cologne in the 89th minute. But throughout the season there was no question which of the league’s most exciting youngsters had played more maturely and consistently.
At times, Bellingham resembled a one-man band in Dortmund’s midfield that was everywhere at the same time. He attacked like a “6”, ran like an “8”, made perfect assists (five total) like a “10” and scored like a winger (eight) with a “7”.
In addition, his intensity and winning attitude did much to rouse the team from their lethargy. He’s overdone it at times and twisted his nose with his body language, but it’s impossible to imagine another teenager who has consistently hit the ground running all season and even every three years at the club.
(Photo: Lars Baron/Getty Images)