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Real Madrid are second in La Liga after 14 games, two points behind their arch-rivals Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have won 11 and lost just once in the league.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have submitted a €150 million offer for Jude Bellingham, who's also wanted at the Santiago Bernabeu. Elsewhere, Los Blancos are preparing to move for a PSV Eindhoven forward.
On that note, here's a look at the key Real Madrid transfer stories as on December 18, 2022:
Liverpool submit €150 million Jude Bellingham bid
Liverpool have submitted a €150 million offer to Borussia Dortmund to secure the signature of Jude Bellingham, according to Defensa Central via The Hard Tackle. The English midfielder is a hot commodity in European football currently. Real Madrid are among the clubs eager to win the race for his signature.
Bellingham has come a long way since breaking into the Birmingham City first team. He secured a high-profile move to Dortmund in 2020 and has enjoyed an astronomical rise in the Bundesliga. The 19-year-old has developed into one of the finest midfielders in the world right now, prompting interest from Los Blancos.
The La Liga giants are laying down succession plans for their ageing midfield. Despite their recent form, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are unlikely to carry on for too long. Real Madrid have Bellingham on their wishlist to help address the situation. The Englishman has already proven that he's more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The 19-year-old has delivered consistently for Dortmund recently, amassing nine goals and three assists in 22 games across competitions.
The Englishman also caught the eye at the ongoing 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with the Three Lions, who lost to France in the quarterfinals. Liverpool have seen enough to be convinced of his qualities and have now placed a mammoth bid on the table to take him to Anfield.
The Reds have offered €120 million up front, with another €30 million in add-ons. Dortmund reportedly value Bellingham at €150 million, so they could be tempted to accept the bid. Los Blancos will have to move quickly if they wish to take the player to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid eyeing Cody Gakpo
Real Madrid are preparing to move for Cody Gakpo, according to The Mirror. The Dutch forward has caught the eye this season with PSV Eindhoven, registering 13 goals and 17 assists from 24 games across competitions. The 23-year-old also left an impression at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals in five games for the Oranje.
Manchester United and Newcastle United are already engaged in a battle to secure Gakpo’s signature. The Premier League duo have now been joined by Los Blancos, who are impressed with the player’s recent performances.
The La Liga giants are already preparing a bid to take the player to the Santiago Bernabeu next year. PSV are likely to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer.
Luka Modric was open to joining Manchester United before arriving at Real Madrid, says Rio Ferdinand
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said that Luka Modric was willing to move to Old Trafford before signing with Real Madrid. The Croatian moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2012 and has since attained legendary status with Los Blancos.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand reflected on how things could have been a lot different for the 37-year-old.
“Modric, I remember speaking to him, I said, ‘Are you leaving (Tottenham)?’, and he said, ’Yeah, I think I’m going to go’, but he wasn’t sure at the time where he was going. I said, ‘Listen, you’ve got to come to United, man’, and he said, ‘Yeah, listen, I want to be the first Croatian to play for Man United. I want to be that guy. Can we make it happen?’” said Ferdinand.
He added:
"But it didn’t happen. I spoke to David Gill and the manager (Sir Alex) at the time had already agreed with Shinji Kagawa I think it was – I think that was the year, I’m sure it was. Or they already had irons in the fire with another player, and they did that deal, and then Modric went to Madrid, and the rest is history. But I never imaged he’d go on to do what he’s done. What a player!”
Modric helped Croatia finish third at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
