OFFICIAL: Real Madrid have completed the signing of Bellingham

Real Madrid have completed the signing of 19-year-old English midfielder, Jude Bellingham, from German outfit Borussia Dortmund. The highly-rated youngster has long been linked with a move to Los Blancos, and after several months of negotiations, the deal has finally been agreed upon.

Bellingham is regarded as the long-term successor to Luka Modric in the Real Madrid midfield, and his arrival marks the final piece in a midfield transition away from the Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Modric trio that have dominated European football for the last decade. While the latter two are expected to remain at the club next season, Bellingham, along with Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga, will provide Los Blancos with ample cover for the future.

The deal will see Borussia Dortmund sell Bellingham to Real Madrid for an initial fee of €103 million, with the potential for an additional 30% in variables, which could see the overall cost of the deal rise to around €134 million. While the exact details of the variables are unknown, it is believed that they could be linked to Champions League victories and Ballon d’Or wins.

Reports suggest that Bellingham’s wages will cost Real Madrid a minimum of €163 million over the six years of his contract, and a maximum of around €204 million if the variables are achieved. However, if Bellingham fulfills his potential and becomes the difference-maker for Los Blancos, the deal could prove to be a bargain in the long run.

Bellingham is seen as a long-term star in Real Madrid’s midfield, and his arrival is a clear indication that the club is looking towards a younger generation of players to build for the future. Los Blancos appear to have learned from their experiences with the likes of Eden Hazard and are targeting younger stars to protect against a loss of value with age.

In Bellingham, Real Madrid have acquired a player who is already considered one of the brightest talents in European football. If he reaches his potential, there is little doubt that he will turn out to be good business for the club. At just 19 years old, he could well stay at the club for a decade and still leave for a major fee. The signing of Bellingham is a clear statement of intent from Real Madrid, who are looking to build a team capable of dominating European football for years to come.