Real Madrid now 'leading the race' for £130m World Cup star | OneFootball

Real Madrid are leading the race as a credible destination for Jude Bellingham next summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Bellingham netted his first England goal in their 6-2 opening World Cup win against Iran on Monday, and there’s expected to be a war over his signature at the end of the season.

How has Bellingham performed this season?

Bellingham has improved year-on-year since moving to Borussia Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, and this season the teenager seems to have moved up a level for club and country.

The midfielder has scored nine times for the German club in 22 games and hasn’t missed a single minute in the Bundesliga so far this campaign.

At international level, Bellingham’s inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad and start in their first game at the World Cup is also seen as a sign of his future as first-choice for the national team.

His performances have led to speculation about his next move, with a number of clubs linked to the 19-year-old, including Real Madrid.

What has Dean Jones said about a possible move to Real Madrid for Bellingham?

Jones thinks that Real Madrid are in the driving seat when it comes to trying to entice Bellingham away from Dortmund.

Jones told GIVEMSPORT: “Real Madrid have been very confident that they lead the way in this.

“From a personal point of view, that probably is the case. I think that they probably do lead the race in terms of persuading the player’s camp to consider them.”

Who else is in the race to sign Bellingham?

The Bellingham saga is set to be the saga of next summer, with the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all joining Real in wanting to secure the services of the England star.

Madrid, however, according to reports in Spain, could be put off by the £130million price tag on Bellingham and are not prepared to meet Dortmund’s valuation of the player.

That may open the door for Liverpool, who seem very optimistic in persuading Bellingham that Anfield is the place for him, and could sign for him for a cut-price £85million if the full fee is paid upfront. This has seen some reports suggest that the Reds may be the favourites for his signature.

Another big player in the race could be Manchester City, who have been boosted after boss Pep Guardiola penned a two-year contract extension. That would come with full backing in the transfer market – with Bellingham a name the club have been monitoring.