Real Madrid have confirmed that they have signed English midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a long-term contract, with the deal thought to be costing them an initial £88.5m.
The 19-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation over the last 12 months, with many of the leading clubs in European football seemingly determined to sign him.
At one stage, Liverpool were thought to lead the race, while Manchester City were also believed to be in a strong position to sign the former Birmingham City youngster.
However, Real Madrid recently emerged as the favourites, and it has now been confirmed that the capital giants have won the race to purchase him from Dortmund in a big-money deal, with his contract due to run until June 2029, while the transfer could allegedly end up costing in the region of £115m if various add-ons are achieved.
👋 @BellinghamJude
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 14, 2023
🤍 #HeyJude pic.twitter.com/Fm1Pw3brEs
"Real Madrid C. F. and Borussia Dortmund have agreed to the transfer of player Jude Bellingham, who is linked to our club for the next six seasons," read a statement from the club.
"Tomorrow, Thursday, June 15, at 12:00 p.m. in Ciudad Real Madrid, the presentation of Jude Bellingham as a new Real Madrid player will take place."
The midfielder was in excellent form for Dortmund during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering seven assists in 42 appearances in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Bellingham will leave BVB having featured on 132 occasions, scoring 24 goals and 25 assists, following his move from Birmingham in the summer of 2020.
The teenager has also recently become an important player for England, now featuring on 24 times for his country, finding the back of the net against Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
🌟 @BellinghamJude 🌟
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 14, 2023
🎶 #HeyJude pic.twitter.com/UYU2kT76Ys
Manchester United and Chelsea had also allegedly been in the running for the youngster's signature, with a return to English football this summer thought to be a huge possibility.
However, Real Madrid have moved to secure one of the best young talents in European football, adding to what is already an impressive midfield department at the club.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are yet to sign new deals at Bernabeu, but it is widely expected that contract extensions for both players will be announced before the end of the month.
Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga are also midfield options for Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, but there remains uncertainty surrounding Dani Ceballos's future.
Los Blancos are also in the market for a new centre-forward this summer, with Karim Benzema surprisingly leaving the club to make the move to Saudi Arabia.
