Jude Bellingham reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City this summer as he didn’t want to make the move to a ‘plastic’ club, opting for Real Madrid as he felt it would bring him closer to the fans.
It has been widely reported that Bellingham will be making the switch to the Spanish capital from Borussia Dortmund this summer, with the teenager having agreed personal terms on a move and the price tag expected to be agreed between the two clubs before the transfer window even opens.
In doing so, they have fought off rival interest from a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
After Jurgen Klopp’s side pulled out of the race due to financial reasons, it was down to a straight fight between Manchester City and Real Madrid, with both set to undergo major surgery in midfield this summer.
City are increasingly likely to lose midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer, while Kevin De Bruyne is now the wrong side of 30-years-old. Meanwhile, Los Blancos have renewed the contracts of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos once more, but neither are expected to stay beyond next season, leaving a massive hole in their midfield.
And, while some reports suggest that the reason for Bellingham opting for the Spanish capital was for the atmosphere, with claims that he didn’t want to join a ‘plastic club’, one owned by a state like Chelsea or PSG, or one with a ‘crazy transfer strategy’, preferring instead for a more authentic connection with the fans.
