Real Madrid on Wednesday confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, and described him as one of the `biggest talents` in world football.
Bellingham at 19 had already established himself among the most sought-after players in soccer, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain among his admirers. But he has chosen to join 14-time European champion Madrid on a six-year contract.
“Thank you everyone associated with BVB and the fans for everything over the last three years,” Bellingham said in a statement on Dortmund`s website. “It was an honor to wear your jersey so many times whether it was in the high or low moments. While I`m happy about my next destination I will never forget the journey I went on to get there.”
Also Read: What will Real Madrid be like without their `unsung hero` Karim Benzema?
Madrid did not confirm the transfer fee, but Dortmund said in a statement to the stock exchange last week that it could reach more than $139 million.
The German club said the fixed fee was $110 million, plus variables that could reach more than $32 million over the next six seasons.
Comunicado Oficial: Bellingham#RealMadrid | #HeyJude
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 14, 2023
Bellingham becomes the second biggest sale by a German club, following Ousmane Dembélé move from Dortmund to Barcelona in 2017 for up to $173 million.
Bellingham is a statement signing for Madrid after relinquishing its Champions League and Spanish league titles last season.
Following the signings of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni in recent seasons, Bellingham represents Madrid`s latest step to refresh its all-conquering midfield of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro.
Casemiro was sold to Manchester United last summer, while Modric is 37 and Kroos is 33.
Madrid, meanwhile, is entering a period of transition and needs to sign a new striker after Karim Benzema left for Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad. Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Díaz are also leaving.
(With AP inputs)
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