Real Madrid sign Jude Bellingham on long-term deal from Dortmund

<p>Real Madrid have officially completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year contract.</p>, <p>The Spanish club will pay an initial fee of 103 million euros (£88.5 million) for the 19-year-old, with potential add-ons that could take the total deal value to 133.9 million euros (£115 million). Bellingham, who began his career at Birmingham City, will be presented as a Real Madrid player at a ceremony on Thursday.</p>, <p>In a statement, Bellingham expressed gratitude to everyone at Dortmund and the fans for their support during his three-year tenure. He acknowledged the honor of wearing the Dortmund jersey and wished the club all the best for the future.</p>, <p>“Thank you to everyone at BVB Dortmund and to the fans for everything over the past three years,” Bellingham said.</p>, <p>“It’s been an honour to wear your jersey so many times, in big and small moments.</p>, <p>“Even though I look forward to my next destination, I will never forget the journey there. Once a Borusse, always a Borusse. All the best for the future.”</p>, <p>ALSO READ: TRANSFER NEWS: Man United, Tottenham set to battle for Brentford’s David Raya</p>, <p>Bellingham’s exceptional performances, including being named the Bundesliga’s player of the season, contributed to Dortmund’s strong campaign as they narrowly missed out on the league title.</p>, <p>👋 @BellinghamJude 🤍 #HeyJude pic.twitter.com/Fm1Pw3brEs</p>, <p>— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) June 14, 2023</p>, <p>With the initial fee, he becomes the second-most expensive English footballer, trailing only Jack Grealish, who joined Manchester City from Aston Villa for £100 million in 2021. Bellingham’s transfer also makes him Real Madrid’s second-most expensive signing, behind Eden Hazard’s move from Chelsea in 2019.</p>, <p>ALSO READ: Peseiro reveals why he didn’t call-up Gift Orban, Victor Boniface to Super Eagles squad</p>, <p>During his time at Dortmund, Bellingham made history as the club’s youngest captain at the age of 19. In th