Borussia Dortmund has confirmed it reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Jude Bellingham. The 19 year old English midfielder heads to the Santiago Bernabéu and will join a midfield already packed with talent in a lineup that blends current excellence with future potential.
Details of signing Bellingham for Real Madrid include considerations about the transfer fee, contract length, role on the pitch, salary, and the jersey number he will wear.
What Real Madrid’s midfield could look like with Bellingham and which players might move on after this deal
Even with Karim Benzema no longer at the club, Real Madrid appears set to maintain a 4-3-3 setup for the upcoming season. Bellingham will challenge for one of three midfield slots alongside players such as Tchouaméni, Valverde, Modric, Kroos, Camavinga, and possibly Ceballos. The club will assess the best balance between youthful energy and veteran control as the squad evolves.
Bellingham arrives with a stature that commands attention, and it is expected he will feature regularly. If coach Carlo Ancelotti opts for a tactical shift, there is a theoretical pathway for Bellingham to operate just behind the striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation, highlighting his versatility and playmaking ability.
Despite this, the prevailing view favors a traditional 4-3-3. The likely XI would see Thibaut Courtois between the posts, a backline of Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, and Mendy, with a midfield trio featuring Kroos, Camavinga, and Bellingham. Up front, Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo would support the central attacking midfielder in the midfield three, with the possibility of a right back shift if Kane joins and Rodrygo moves to the other flank, changing the dynamic and leaving room on the bench for experienced players such as Kroos or Valverde depending on the setup and match requirements.
Ceballos situation
The arrival of Bellingham may influence Dani Ceballos’s decision regarding his future with Real Madrid. There is a sense within the club that Ceballos could extend his stay, but anymore discussions will hinge on whether Madrid confirms a path to more playing time and a role that aligns with his ambitions. If minutes do not increase, pursuing opportunities at another club could become more attractive for the midfielder.
Notes on the broader strategy show Madrid looking to stabilize the spine with a combination of established stars and rising talent. Bellingham’s acquisition adds a dynamic engine to the middle of the park, capable of driving the ball forward, pressing high, and linking play between defense and attack. The club will weigh how best to utilize his strengths alongside long-standing contributors, ensuring a balanced approach that maximizes both immediate impact and long term growth.
This analysis focuses on potential formations, on-field roles, and the implications for players already at the club. It emphasizes how Bellingham could influence the tactical shape, squad depth, and competition for places, while acknowledging that actual decisions will depend on performance, injuries, and transfer activity during the preseason and the summer window.