Real Madrid are slowly leaning towards accepting their chances of signing Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham are minimal.
As reported by The Athletic, Los Blancos believe they can’t compete with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City, who are leading the race for Bellingham.
His rise to prominence as one of Europe’s best young midfielders has seen Die Borussen set a price tag of around €150 million.
The 19-year-old is tipped to leave Signal Iduna Park this summer, with Dortmund bracing for a bidding war.
Liverpool have been tracking Bellingham for months after earmarking him as the next marquee signing to reinforce their midfield.
Man City are looking to take advantage of their financial resources to persuade Bellingham to move to the Etihad Stadium.
Los Blancos will continue their pursuit, but they have to convince Bellingham on personal terms as they did with Aurelien Tchouameni last summer amidst interest from a host of European heavyweights.
Although the reports state that Madrid no longer have the edge in the transfer race, prevailing circumstances suggest otherwise.
Jurgen Klopp’s men are currently in a deep crisis, sitting 10th in the Premier League table. Their finances might take a severe hit if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
A player of Bellingham’s stature will be looking to play regularly in the competition, which is by no means a guarantee at Anfield at the moment.
City have been recently charged with alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play rules, which could have huge ramifications in the future, including a potential expulsion from the Premier League.
It may well play to Madrid’s advantage, who are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements, with the contracts of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric expiring in the summer.
