Liverpool’s long-term interest in Jude Bellingham has suffered a huge blow as developments in Spain put Real Madrid in pole position to complete the transfer, according to the Mirror .
The Reds have been long-time admirers of the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, but a consistent level of performance, both in Germany and for England, has caught the attention of Europe’s top sides. The 19-year-old became the first English teenager to start a Champions League game as captain and the first teenage midfielder to score in three consecutive games in the competition during Wednesday’s 4-1 win at Sevilla.
Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City are keeping tabs on the situation in Dortmund, but their relatively late arrival to the party eases concerns of a late charge. Real Madrid, however, have been monitoring the teenager since his time at Birmingham City, according to the report, and will provide the biggest obstacle to Liverpool’s chances of bringing Bellingham to Anfield.
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That long-standing interest is something that Bellingham is reportedly aware of, and the Spanish giants made direct contact with the midfielder during the summer, instructing him not to sign a new deal with Dortmund or secure a move away - as they will make a move for him next summer.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have also been helped by a recent development within their own squad, as Vinicius Jr. has attained his EU citizenship, thanks to his long-standing residency in Spain. La Liga limits the number of non-EU players in a squad, and the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the EU has made it harder for some players to secure moves abroad.
Los Blancos already have a strong contingent of South American players in their makeup, which had taken them to that limit. But Vinicius Jr's new citizenship has freed up a space, while Eder Militao and Rodrygo are both hopeful of doing similar within the next 12 months.
Such developments make the task of landing Bellingham even more difficult for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, increasing the likelihood of a repeat of last summer - The Reds boss called Aurelien Tchouameni personally to try and lure him to Merseyside, only for the French midfielder to decide on Madrid in an £85million.
Their trump card is undoubtedly the pull of Premier League football, with the English top-flight already the showcase league where the world’s best talents flock. The gap between England and the rest of Europe is only likely to increase, with wages already sky-rocketing compared to the likes of La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga.
Whether that will be enough to persuade Bellingham to return to England remains to be seen.
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