OFFICIAL: Real Madrid complete the signing of Jude Bellingham

OFFICIAL: Real Madrid has completed the acquisition of Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old English starlet has long been connected with Los Blancos, and it looks that a deal has been achieved between the German giants and Los Blancos after several months of talks.

Bellingham is regarded as Real Madrid’s long-term successor to Luka Modric, as well as the final component in the midfield transition away from the Casemiro, Toni Kroos, and Modric combination that has dominated European football for the last decade. The latter two are anticipated to return to the club next season, but with Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga already on the books, Los Blancos will be well covered for the foreseeable future.

The German side will sell Bellingham to Los Blancos for €103 million plus up to 30% in variable fees. If those conditions are met, the total cost of the agreement might rise to roughly €134 million, albeit it is unclear how attainable those variables are. If previous patterns continue, some of that money will very certainly be related to Champions League or Ballon d’Or winners.

If rumors about Bellingham’s pay are correct, the deal will cost Los Blancos a minimum of €163 million over the course of his six-year contract, and a maximum of around €204 million if those factors are met.

Bellingham is expected to be a long-term star in Real Madrid’s midfield, eventually succeeding Luka Modric as the difference-maker for Los Blancos. If he realizes his full potential, there is little doubt that he will be a successful businessman. He could easily stay with the club for a decade and still depart for a large sum at the age of 19. Los Blancos look eager to avoid a repeat of Eden Hazard’s situation and thus are pursuing younger star recruits to protect against a loss of value with age.