Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham set to be deployed in different position following arrival of Kylian Mbappe: Reports
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham will reportedly play as a central midfielder instead of a number 10 from next season. This is due to the arrival of Kylian Mbappe this summer, as per Diario AS.
Jude Bellingham joined Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid last summer from Borussia Dortmund for a reported fee of €103 million. The Englishman enjoyed a stellar season in Madrid as he won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana.
However, Bellingham mainly played as an attacking midfielder, or number 10, for the La Liga giants. He crashed the box whenever the opportunity arose. In the absence of Karim Benzema, the 21-year-old was leading the pack at Santiago Bernabeu in terms of goals. Last season, the Englishman made 42 appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists.
He was also the joint-third highest goal scorer in La Liga alongside Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski with 19 goals. They were behind Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth (23) and Girona's Artem Dovbyk (24). However, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the Englishman will start playing as a central midfielder.
Mbappe joined the La Liga giants after years of intense speculation on a five-year deal. The Frenchman was also presented at Santiago Bernabeu as a Real Madrid player in front of a packed crowd on Tuesday, June 16. French football legend Zinedine Zidane was also a part of the ceremony.
Real Madrid star close to joining Chelsea in summer: Reports
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is reportedly close to joining Chelsea this summer, as per journalist Alberto Pereira (via Onda Cero).
Last season, Lunin played a crucial role for Carlo Ancelotti's side during Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois' absence due to a knee injury. The Ukrainian goalkeeper made 31 appearances for Los Blancos during the 2023–24 season, where he managed to keep 12 clean sheets.
However, the 25-year-old was eventually benched following Thibaut Courtois' return. As a result, the Ukrainian football star has decided to consider other options, which include a move to Stamford Bridge. Apart from Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are also reportedly interested in signing Lunin.
Additionally, as per Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos are looking forward to bringing back Kepa Arrizabalaga if Andriy Lunin decides to join Chelsea. They signed Kepa last season on a loan deal from Chelsea. He made 20 appearances across competitions, keeping nine clean sheets.