How ex-Man City star could help Real Madrid secure Bellingham transfer

Suraj Radia

• 18 Apr 2023 18:17 BST
• 2 min read

Jude Bellingham remains Real Madrid’s top target this summer but Dortmund’s asking price of €150 million could prove a stumbling block, prompting the Spanish side to consider offering a player in exchange to lower the fee.

Bellingham is keen to leave Dortmund this summer but the German outfit are determined to generate a record fee for the 19-year-old, which has caused frontrunners Liverpool to drop out of the race to sign him.

Real see Bellingham as part of their long-term plan to ‘renew’ their midfield and contact has already been made with his representatives but they face strong competition from Premier League sides such as Manchester City, who may be able to outbid them and match Dortmund’s asking price.

HOPE: Manchester United optimistic on Bellingham move

As a result, Real are looking at alternative ways to fund Bellingham’s transfer and they see Brahim Diaz as the answer, with the ex-Man City midfielder likely to be offered in exchange in order to reduce the fee.

Diaz joined Real from City in 2019 for €24m including add-ons but made just 15 appearances before being loaned out to Milan, where he has spent the past three seasons.

The 23-year-old has impressed during his time in Italy and could represent an intruging prospect for Dortmund, although Milan are hopeful of keeping him while Arsenal are also believed to be monitoring his situation.

Why Bellingham could still be at Dortmund next season

Bellingham was believed to prefer a move to Liverpool but the Premier League side have backed out of a move despite conducting their transfer business over the past few years towards a transfer this summer.

Real and City will now likely battle it out to sign Bellingham, although there is a growing possibility that the England international opts to remain at Dortmund and move next summer when he would be more affordable for teams with a year left on his contract.

GUNNER LINK: Arsenal in for Diaz

Diaz, meanwhile, has netted 12 league goals in 84 games for Milan and won the Serie A title last season as an integral figure for Stefano Pioli’s side.

The playmaker moved to City as a teenager but only made five Premier League appearances for the club before opting to join Real, where he was a fringe player for two seasons prior to his loan to Milan.