Why $100 Million-Plus Jude Bellingham Should And Shouldn’t Join Real Madrid

The noise echoing from Spain tells us Borussia Dortmund’s multimillion-dollar-rated midfielder Jude Bellingham is close to sealing a transfer to European champion Real Madrid, with his stock higher than ever after a breakthrough World Cup for England internationally.

Native outlet Diario AS, among others, is convinced the 19-year-old star has opted for Spain as his next stop. Prior reports had sounded Liverpool as a strong candidate to sign the player, showing how swiftly the tables can still turn back and forth.

Bellingham is one of a select teenage group—alongside Gavi and Pedri of Barcelona and Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala—whose market value is not far off the €100 million ($106 million) mark. And Dortmund will hope to pocket more for its most valuable asset this coming January or beyond.

The popular talking point is where he goes. A more important consideration is what’s best for him, with virtually his entire soccer career ahead. Real and then Liverpool seems the most probable outcome, although billionaire-owned Chelsea is in the conversation for his signature, too.

Madrid ticks many boxes

In many ways, Bellingham signing for Real works for both parties. Typically, Los Blancos favor players who are flexible positionally, and Bellingham—with his tendency to roam around and influence games in defense and attack, centrally and on the flanks—means he fits this mold perfectly.

As a tactically astute player, La Liga would suit him well. While he’s equally athletic and tenacious enough to adapt to the Premier League, entering a thriving, possession-based Real setup should make for a smooth enough transition from the German Bundesliga.

For his new club, he would also form part of arguably the most imperious midfield in European soccer for years to come. Luka Modric, and to a certain extent Toni Kroos, will soon pass the baton onto the next generation. A fast-developing trio of Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelién Tchouaméni—with an average age of 21—looks like some combination and will be a driving force in acquiring more trophies. In other words, young Bellingham walks into a winning, evolving team. What’s not to like?

More to gain in the Premier League

If that seemed an attractive proposition, returning to England offers even richer rewards.

Firstly, if he joins Liverpool or Chelsea, he will be a protagonist in those teams. Both are lagging in the league this campaign and need a Bellingham figure to transform their fortunes. If he does, his profile shoots even higher than in Madrid, where he would not necessarily be the center of attention. To ease matters, landing in Liverpool also means linking up with England teammate and Reds captain Jordan Henderson—with whom he has already struck a promising partnership—and would help spur him on.

For Real, it can afford Bellingham, despite him likely eclipsing Eden Hazard as its most expensive arrival. Yet he is not integral to its success. Nevertheless, given the treatment some signings have received at the Bernabéu—with Madrid media and Spanish fans particularly critical and demanding—there will be an immense expectation on his shoulders. He doesn’t have the same point to prove to English-based supporters back home, where the conditions are arguably better for him.

Incidentally—not that Bellingham will care much for this—La Liga is not where the best soccer stars grow their brand either, with Karim Benzema the only Spanish league representative in SportsPro Media’s 50 most marketable athletes this year. Instead, the English top flight is a focal point in this area. From a commercial viewpoint, thriving in the Premier League boosts Bellingham and his future team’s global image.

No sweat for Bellingham

Nothing should weigh heavily on the young player’s shoulders because wherever he ends up now will not define his career. Were a move to La Liga or the Premier League not work out, he has plenty of years to reach his peak, provided he avoids serious injuries.

Even staying in Dortmund wouldn’t be the worst idea. But the club knows he won’t be there for the long run, so it makes sense to cash in on him and start building without him.

His temperament and ability to perform at the top level suggest he’s ready for the challenge at any club that signs him. Judging by what he’s achieved so far, no big move will faze him.