Real Madrid complete Jude Bellingham transfer to make him most expensive British player ever

Real Madrid complete the transfer of Jude Bellingham, making him the most expensive British player ever

Real Madrid have announced that they have completed the transfer of Jude Bellingham.

The 19-year-old joins the European giants after a hugely successful spell at Borussia Dortmund.

Grealish was once the most expensive British player but Bellingham is now in first placeCredit: Getty

Bellingham has signed a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

Dortmund have confirmed Real Madrid will pay an initial fee of €103m (£88.5m), with a range of add-ons taking the deal to £115m.

This makes him the most expensive British player in history. Bellingham will be officially revealed as a Los Blancos player during a presentation on Thursday morning at 11am.

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In a statement, Madrid said: “Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund have agreed on the transfer of player Jude Bellingham, who will remain linked to our club for the next six seasons.”

“Tomorrow, Thursday June 15 at 12:00 p.m. at Real Madrid City, Jude Bellingham will be awarded as a new Real Madrid player. Jude Bellingham is the next to appear before the media.

Even before the start of the World Cup in December, Bellingham was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and Manchester City are also said to be in contention for the midfielder.

Bellingham arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the most exciting youngsters in world football and the most expensive British player of all time. Jack Grealish’s £100million move to City in 2021 put him at the top, but just two years later he was overtaken.

Bellingham have already played so much senior football at such a young age, leaving Dortmund with 132 appearances to their name.

“Thank you to everyone at BVB and the fans for everything over the past three years,” he said in a farewell statement on Dortmund’s website.

“It was an honor to wear your jersey so many times, in times big and small. Although I look forward to my next destination, I will never forget the trip there. Once a Borussia, always a Borussia. All the best for the future.”

Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke added: “We thank Jude for three years of passion for Borussia Dortmund. It was a fantastic time together.

“We would also like to thank Real Madrid for the always fair and constructive discussions.”

Bellingham has joined a select group of British players to sign for Real Madrid, following in the footsteps of Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Jonathan Woodgate and Gareth Bale.

He played 24 times for England and scored his first senior international goal in the World Cup victory over Iran. However, he is out of the squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia due to injury.