06 May 2023 , 21:30
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Jude Bellingham will be treated like a King if he joins Real Madrid this summer.
That’s the view of former Bernabeu star Steve McManaman who believes Bellingham’s likely £132 million summer switch from Borussia Dortmund to Madrid will be a game-changer for both parties.
“I think there's something starry eyed about Madrid. The new stadium is going to be online as we all know, in the summer of next year.
“And Madrid have been accumulating younger players like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga in the last couple of years” says BT pundit McManaman, a double Champions League winner with the Spanish giants in his playing days.
“They've certainly got the money for Bellingham because since buying Eden Hazard in 2019 they haven't really gone big and splashed the cash on huge signings.
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“They've been selling fringe players and accumulating a pot of money to buy young players. They thought they were going to get Kylian Mbappe so the finances are there.
“I think with the added stardust of playing for Real Madrid and the history of the city it would be a huge attraction for Bellingham if it happens in the summer.
“If Jude does happen to sign for Madrid he will be treated like a King and it'll be an exciting new phase for the club with the youngsters then taking over, although I think Luka Modric, Tony Kroos and Karim Benzema might all get new contracts even for just a year.
“They are building a new future and adding Bellingham to the young players they’ve already bought shows they’re doing excellent business.”
BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman knows all about signing for Real MadridBellingham looks set to pick the bright lights of the Bernabeu over a return to English football. Both Liverpool and Manchester City had been targeting the ex-Birmingham City wonderkid, and after the former were priced out, Pep Guardiola was confident of getting a deal over the line.
But reports from Spain now claim he has agreed terms with Los Blancos, with a summer transfer now more likely than ever. On Dortmund’s part, they have refused to comment on the new development, with the German giants still in a battle for the Bundesliga title.
The club’s sporting director, Sebastian Kehl was asked about Bellingham’s move to Madrid, responding: “We want to become champions here in Bundesliga, it’s out total priority. We’re subordinating everything else to that right now.”
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