Jude Bellingham linked with SHOCK Real Madrid exit

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 10 Feb 2025 07:25 CST
• 3 min read

Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a shock move for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham as they look to sign a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.

Bellingham, 21, was heavily linked with Pep Guardiola’s side before his move to Real Madrid in 2023 and the reigning Premier League champions remain eager to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.

The England international has developed into one of the world’s best players since joining Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund and Man City have sounded him out as a key transfer target for this summer, according to Defensa Central.

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De Bruyne is due to become a free agent when his current Man City contract expires at the end of June and he has been heavily tipped to secure a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia on a Bosman deal.

The Belgium star has only started 11 Premier League matches so far this campaign, largely due to fitness issues, and he is yet to agree a new deal with Man City, which has fuelled rumours of a summer exit.

With De Bruyne potentially on the way out, Guardiola is reportedly targeting an ambitious move for Bellingham as his replacement.

However, the England midfielder has four-and-a-half years remaining on his deal at Real Madrid and he is reportedly expected to snub transfer interest from Man City in order to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Jude Bellingham unlikely to leave Real Madrid

Bellingham has also been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent years, although the Reds’ interest has dissipated since his high-profile switch to Real Madrid and they aren’t expected to rekindle their interest given his likely price tag.

The 21-year-old is currently the fourth most valuable player in world football (behind Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe) with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €141.3m.