Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for an initial €103 million, has been linked with a surprising transfer to a Premier League club in a deal that could involve another player.
The 22-year-old England midfielder has continued his rapid ascent in world football since his move to the Bernabeu, quickly establishing himself as one of the game’s top talents.
In his debut season under Carlo Ancelotti, Bellingham was often used in more advanced positions and scored 19 goals in La Liga. Although his goal tally dropped slightly last season, he remains a vital presence for Real Madrid under new coach Xabi Alonso.
Transfermarkt currently values Bellingham at €160 million, making him the fourth-most valuable player globally. This makes any potential move away from Real Madrid a highly unlikely scenario—but Spanish outlet Fichajes suggests it is not entirely impossible.
They report that Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has attracted interest from Manchester City, who could try to reunite him with Enzo Maresca should the former Blues boss take charge at City in the summer. The Athletic recently noted that Maresca is a top candidate to succeed Pep Guardiola amid speculation the Spaniard may be entering his final season in Manchester.
Jude Bellingham Tops Chelsea’s Wishlist in Potential Blockbuster Move
Fichajes adds that Bellingham has become a “dream target” for Chelsea if they were to replace Palmer. However, the outlet emphasizes that signing the 22-year-old would be an enormous undertaking, given Real Madrid’s reluctance to sell and the financial magnitude of such a transfer.
For his part, Bellingham reportedly feels “certain that his best football is still ahead in Spain” and has no current plans to leave Madrid.
Such a move would also clash with Chelsea’s recent transfer strategy, which has focused on signing younger prospects capable of developing into first-team stars—something Bellingham, already a world-class talent, clearly does not fit.
Under Rosenior, Chelsea will manage a midfield featuring Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, and Andrey Santos, whom he previously coached at Strasbourg.
Yet beyond Palmer, the squad lacks depth in central attacking midfield, highlighting why the club is likely eager to retain the England international.
