There might be a day left in the January transfer window still, but it feels like it does not really matter for Real Madrid and their eyes are already on the summer. In that respect, they have been linked with several highly-rated players but the one who seems to be on top of their wishlist is Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund.
Bellingham is a unique talent. At 19 years of age, he has already captained Borussia Dortmund, was arguably England’s best performer at the World Cup and is most probably already amongst the best midfielders on the planet.
Thus, it is not hard to see why there is so much interest in his signature. Other than Real Madrid, the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are also believed to be in the race to sign the English midfielder. But Los Blancos’ biggest competition for Bellingham seems to be Liverpool.
In fact, it looks like Liverpool are the ones leading the race to sign Bellingham at this point of time. As reported by Tribuna, Fabrizio Romano told the Born ‘n Red podcast:
"“Liverpool are actively working to sign Jude Bellingham in the summer.“Liverpool are really really pushing. Liverpool are having contacts on the player’s side and with Dortmund.“It can change, but Liverpool lead the race.“If you asked me in January 2022 where Haaland would play, I wouldn’t have said Manchester City, but in March I would have. So Bellingham race is absolutely open.”"
Real Madrid seem to be behind Liverpool in the race to sign Bellingham
It will take a significant transfer fee to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, as it is believed that the Bundesliga giants are looking for a figure around €150 million.
As things stand, it looks like Liverpool are ahead of the pack in the race to sign Bellingham but things are still absolutely open.
It is worth remembering that it is still January and there is still a long way to go till the summer, although one would expect a decision to be made by that point of time.
Real Madrid have been very quiet in the transfer market in recent times and they need to make a splash. Hopefully that will come in the form of signing a generational talent like Bellingham.