Jude Bellingham heads Real Madrid’s three-man Modric replacement shortlist

15 Jun 2022 03:13 CDT
3 min read

Jude Bellingham, Dortmund, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Real Madrid’s steady midfield evolution is set to continue with the Bernabeu side seeking a replacement for Luka Modric – and Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund is one player they have earmarked for a potential transfer.

Los Blancos have already moved to secure the services of Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni from Rennes and Monaco respectively as they seek to refresh the central area of the pitch.

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Tchouameni is the latest recruit, having arrived from Monaco for a fee of €100 million earlier this summer and a player who could replace either Toni Kroos or Casemiro, both of whom are now the wrong side of 30.

It is to Modric, though, that Madrid have really turned their attentions now. The Croatia international has established himself as a club legend, but now 36, his time at the top level is running short, despite recently signing a new one-year contract with the club.

After spending big on Tchouameni another major recruit this summer is off the cards but Madrid are already looking at the evolution process for next summer and have highlighted three possible arrivals, according to Fichajes:

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)

Nicolo Barella (Inter)

Sandro Tonali (Milan)

Real Madrid adjusting their transfer policy

This shortlist differs to some extent on the Tchouameni and Camavinga. All of these players are more battle-hardened than either of the young France internationals, though they are not necessarily older.

There is good reason for this. Madrid will need Modric’s replacement to come in and hit the ground running as the bedding in time that their previous signings have enjoyed is less likely to be available given his age.

Although Bellingham is likely to be Real Madrid’s No.1 target, the England international midfielder will be the costliest and competition is set to be fierce from the Premier League, with Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all linked with a move for the Dortmund star next summer.