Real Madrid has finalised the acquisition of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. The talented English midfielder has reached an agreement for a six-year contract with the prestigious Bernabéu club.
Last week, Dortmund officially announced that Madrid had agreed to pay an initial fee of €103m (£88.5m) for the 19-year-old Jude Bellingham. On Wednesday, Real Madrid confirmed the completion of the deal.
In an official statement, the 14-time European champions announced, “Real Madrid C. F. and Borussia Dortmund have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Jude Bellingham, who will be contracted to our club for the next six seasons. Jude Bellingham will be unveiled as a new Real Madrid player tomorrow, Thursday 15 June, at 12:00 noon at Real Madrid City. Following this, Jude Bellingham will speak to the media.”
Dortmund disclosed that the transfer fee consists of a significant fixed sum along with performance-related variables spread over a period of six years. Their CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, thanked Jude Bellingham, saying, “We thank Jude for three passion-filled years at Borussia Dortmund. It was a fantastic time together. Our thanks also go to Real Madrid for the always fair and constructive discussions.”
Sebastian Kehl, the sporting director, added, “Jude developed very positively with us at a young age. He has decided that he now wants to make the move to Real Madrid. We thank Jude for everything he gave us and our play, and we wish him all the best for the future.”
Having joined Dortmund from Birmingham City in 2020, shortly after celebrating his 17th birthday, Jude Bellingham made 132 appearances for the club. Speaking on the official website of Borussia Dortmund, he conveyed his appreciation, saying, “Thank you, everyone, associated with BVB and the fans for everything over the last three years. It was an honor to wear your jersey so many times whether it was in the high or low moments. Whilst I’m happy about my next destination I will never forget the journey I went on to get there. Einmal Borusse, immer Borusse. Best of luck for the future. Heja BVB!”
Bellingham’s reputation soared during the recent World Cup, where he netted his first goal for England in their group-stage triumph against Iran. Additionally, he shared a passionate celebration with Jordan Henderson after assisting the Liverpool captain’s goal in the last-16 victory over Senegal. This sparked speculation linking him to Anfield, but Liverpool clarified in April that they would not pursue a transfer for the midfielder, choosing instead to focus their resources on revamping the team.
With his move to Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham joins an exclusive group of British players who have represented the Spanish giants, including Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate, and Gareth Bale.