Real Madrid have been handed a boost in their pursuit to sign Liverpool target Jude Bellingham, with the La Liga side recently gaining an extra non-EU spot via Vinicius Junior.
According to AS, the Brazilian international has recently acquired Spanish citizenship which frees up a crucial non-EU spot in Madrid’s squad ahead of 2023, with Bellingham believed to be a major target for the reigning UEFA Champions League holders next summer.
With Liverpool also interested in Bellingham as per the Athletic, this update is the last thing Jurgen Klopp’s side wanted to hear, with confidence amongst supporters seemingly slipping over if the Merseyside giants can sign the Borussia Dortmund wonderkid.
The Reds lost yet another Premier League game this weekend as Liverpool fell to a late defeat to Leeds United, and there is now a real risk growing that the English giants could miss out on a top-four spot come the end of the season, which will have major financial implications for the summer.

Indeed, things seem to be slipping away for Liverpool, and missing out on Bellingham would be the final nail in the coffin for the Anfield side, with Madrid no doubt confident that they can win the race to sign the England international next summer.
After all, Vinicius taking up Spanish citizenship no doubt will inspire Madrid to move for Bellingham. And given Los Blancos Champions League last season and the young players currently coming through at the club, the 19-year-old could opt for a move to Spain over Liverpool next summer.
Real Madrid signing Jude Bellingham is growing more likely by the week

As Bellingham’s stock continues to rise, as does the probability of the midfielder joining Madrid instead of Liverpool, with the Premier League side’s issues making it hard to justify why the Dortmund star would decide on a move to Merseyside over the La Liga champions.
After all, Bellingham is a player who is proving to be a superstar in the making, and whilst Liverpool would be an ideal fit for the youngster, Madrid’s imperious form in Europe and in Spain will make it hard for the teenager to reject a move next summer.
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