According to Marca, Real Madrid have made Liverpool target Jude Bellingham a priority transfer in 2023, and he is keen on a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Why Liverpool could lose out to Real Madrid
Well, the Spanish news outlet believe Real Madrid even wanted to sign the England international while he was at Birmingham, before his £25m move to Borussia Dortmund in 2019.
Marca add that Real Madrid actually made contact with Bellingham before signing Aurelien Tchouameni, and have asked the 19-year-old not to renew his contract with the German giants – his current terms expire in July 2025.
The teenager has so far obliged, and is yet to pen a renewal.
Interestingly, the rumour comes after some sources claimed that Fenway Sports Group (FSG) expect Bellingham to sign for Liverpool, with Jürgen Klopp personally determined to sign the £49,000-a-week man.
The Borussia Dortmund No.22 is said to have a release clause worth €150m (£134m) written into his contract at Borussia Dortmund.
So far this season, Bellingham has scored three goals in ten appearances across all competitions.
Real Madrid in pole position to beat Liverpool in Jude Bellingham battle
In our view, Liverpool fans certainly won’t have enjoyed reading today’s story from Marca.
In addition to the aforementioned details, it is also said that Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have a strong relationship, and the Santiago Bernabeu is Bellingham’s preferred destination if he does leave Germany.
None of this bodes well for Liverpool. It has also been said that his £134m price tag may be problematic for the Reds, whereas Real Madrid can afford that sum.
In fact, the Spanish and European champions may have already lodged a bid if they didn’t attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe at the start of the summer.
Marca believe Real Madrid held off from submitting an offer due to the financial burden of possibly signing the France international, before he decided to stay at Paris Saint-Germain.
Be sure to keep an eye on this saga going into 2023, as Liverpool and Real Madrid fight for Bellingham.
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