Real Madrid have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jude Bellingham, the German club has confirmed.
It was already apparent Manchester United's and even Manchester City's chances of signing Bellingham were slim as Madrid became firm favourites to win the race but now it's confirmed the midfield prodigy is heading for the Bernabeu. Los Blancos will pay an initial €100million (£86m) fee which could increase further if certain clauses are met.
Dortmund, who heartbreakingly missed out on the Bundesliga title on the final day of the season, said in a statement: “With realisation of this transfer Real Madrid will pay BVB a fixed transfer compensation in the amount of 103.0 m. EUR.
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“In addition, the payment of variable transfer fees up to a maximum total amount of around 30% of the amount of the fixed transfer fee has been agreed. Such variable transfer fees are dependent on the achievement of certain sporting successes by Real Madrid and/or sporting successes or performances of the player at Real Madrid in the period of the next six seasons.”
The transfer is not yet rubber-stamped as Bellingham still has to complete a medical and the deal is to be signed but those formalities are unlikely to face any complications.
City were expected to be Madrid's biggest competitor for the 19-year-old's signature this summer as Pep Guardiola wants to rejuvenate his ageing midfield and bolster his options. The still-uncertain future of Ilkay Gundogan, who could leave for nothing with his contract set to expire at the end of the month, only increases the need for reinforcements.
However, no concrete approach was made as Madrid quickly emerged as Bellingham's preferred destination.
United have long been admirers of Bellingham and invited him to Carrington to try and convince him to join before he headed out to Germany from Birmingham City. Erik ten Hag is also a huge admirer and it's understood he was so impressed during his performances at the World Cup that he told confidants if he could sign any player in the world it would be him.
However, United's low stature in comparison to Madrid or City gave them no chance of making the signing and they moved on quickly. A deal for Chelsea star Mason Mount is being pursued with personal terms already agreed with Bellingham's Three Lions teammate.
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