Jude Bellingham is the hottest young player in the transfer window, with Europe's biggest clubs all competing to sign the highly-rated Englishman. The Dortmund ace was one of the standout players at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and as a result, a major summer move looks to be on the horizon.
A battle is underway to lure the 19-year-old from the Signal Iduna Park. Four Premier League giants are keen on landing the former Birmingham starlet and they are Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United, with the Reds and the Cityzens leading the pack. PSG, meanwhile, are also following the midfielder.
However, according to the Sun, the English clubs no longer hold the advantage in this transfer saga. The British tabloid report that Real Madrid are now currently leading the race and are confident of signing the Bundesliga sensation, who will likely cost over £100M ($121M).
Los Blancos have already racked up a pool of young but exceptionally talented midfielders. The Spanish giants landed Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouameni over the last two summer transfer windows, joining Uruguayan ace Federico Valverde at the Bernabeu.
The initial consensus was that Liverpool were leading the pack, with Jurgen Klopp identifying Jude as the man to rejuvenate Anfield. Throughout Qatar 2022, the midfielder could be seen alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, thus further backing the claim.
However, Ancelotti's side are confident after "courting him throughout 2022". One important factor must be stated: while Bellingham will command an exuberant transfer fee and wage package, money isn't the deciding factor here.
The Three Lions ace will not join the club that pays him the most but is rather focused on the best step for his career. As a result, Los Merengues believe that the opportunity to become a household Real Madrid player will be irresistible,
Liverpool have done tremendous work already to sell their project. Manchester City, meanwhile, have the money, the silverware, and Bellingham's former teammate Erling Haaland to entice Jude. Real Madrid, on the other hand, are the champions of Europe and will look to ruin the party for the two aforementioned Premier League heavyweights.
