Real Madrid agree deal to sign Bellingham alternative

Tom Weber

• Updated: 24 Apr 2023 17:23 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid may have found a much cheaper alternative to Jude Bellingham, according to reports in Spain.

Bellingham is one of Europe's hottest commodities, but his price tag well in excess of €100 million has already put off one of the Englishman's suitors in Liverpool, who are now looking at several more affordable options.

Real Madrid could follow suit and end their pursuit of the 19-year-old despite their standing as one of the favourites to land the mercurial midfielder. Indeed, after Liverpool's well-publicised exit from the race to sign Bellingham, Los Blancos emerged as one of his potential destinations as he reportedly wants to sign for a club with history over the nouveau riche likes of Chelsea or PSG.

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If reports in Spain are to be believed, however, Madrid have identified a Bellingham-esque player much closer to home, and they may have already agreed terms with him.

Veiga to Madrid?

The player in question is Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga. Long linked with Real, the 20-year-old appears to be on his way to the Bernabeu at last. That is, at least, according to Defensa Central.

The Spanish outlet claims that the two sides have come to an agreement on a deal of around €40m that will see the youngster initially stay with Celta Vigo on loan for another season. This would make sense as Luka Modric seems to want to continue for at least another year, so remaining at Celta for a bit longer would guarantee Veiga game time.

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The midfielder had also previously been linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, even stating that a move to the Premier League would be a dream come true. Real were, however, always confident that their pull in Spain was larger than that of their English rivals, and indeed that confidence seems to have been well founded.