Did Mourinho intervene? Real Madrid seal a swift agreement with Bellingham
A pre-emptive move settles the controversy
Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid have struck their deal on a renewal that ties the two parties together until 30 June 2031. The England star will spend several more years with the Spanish giants.
Bellingham arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Dortmund on a contract that ran until the end of the 2028-2029 season, before both sides agreed to extend it under the new terms.
According to Spanish newspaper "AS", the England international will also get improved terms, reflecting his importance and influence on the pitch along with the considerable standing he enjoys inside the Real Madrid squad.
Since day one, Bellingham has shown himself to be an exceptional player capable of leading the dressing room. The team had been hunting for a leadership figure to take on the responsibility and succeed the likes of Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, men who carried huge weight and presence in the group. They needed a front man, just as they had in previous years.
Talks opened in the latter part of last season and there was complete agreement from the moment they got under way. Bellingham feels an ever-growing attachment to Real Madrid and to life in the Spanish capital, and the club's supporters know it.
Nobody doubts his commitment. Fans at the Santiago Bernabeu admire both his performances on the pitch and his knack for firing up his team-mates.
The England man has rediscovered the level he hit in his first season. After last season's final, with the shoulder problems that forced him into surgery now behind him, his level began to climb gradually, and he confirmed it at the World Cup.
Remember, too, that Bellingham delayed the surgery to help Real Madrid through difficult spells. That decision ended up hurting his level on the pitch.
Mourinho's arrival handed Bellingham a return to a position where he feels comfortable, with freedom to roam behind Kylian Mbappe. His level grew, and so did his importance on the pitch.
What he offers defensively has strengthened his role further, as has being first to start the press on the opposition. In modern football, that quality counts for plenty.
Those outstanding World Cup displays also boosted his standing within the England national team.
Having endured a difficult relationship with Tuchel, Bellingham is now indispensable for his country. Eight goals at the World Cup made the point for him.
This season he has scored three goals and provided three assists in the Spanish league.
