Haaland, Alexander-Arnold respond to Jude Bellingham’s one-word Real Madrid message
Jude Bellingham is expected to play a starring role as Real Madrid prepare to get their Club World Cup campaign underway.
Los Blancos have already been extremely busy in this summer’s transfer window ahead of their first match in FIFA’s revamped tournament, and they face Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on Wednesday.
As Madrid prepare to farewell veterans like club legend Luka Modric and Jesus Vallejo at the conclusion of the Club World Cup, several high-profile additions have already been made with another on the way.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s high-profile arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu was announced on 30 May, and that came hot on the heels of Dean Huijsen’s £50million arrival from Bournemouth two weeks prior.
Bellingham rallies Real Madrid ahead of Al-Hilal clash
Alexander-Arnold’s move came ahead of schedule after Madrid agreed an £8.4million fee with Liverpool to end his contract a month early, and the potential link-up with Bellingham was seen as a key reason.
Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold have been two of English football’s shining lights across the globe in recent seasons, and the two have struck a firm friendship which has been reflected on England duty.
That friendship was reflected on social media after Bellingham took to Instagram (17 June) ahead of Real Madrid‘s match against Al-Hilal, as Alexander-Arnold and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland both liked a message which simply said: “¡Vamos!”
Real Madrid to make further strides after Club World Cup
Football Insider Verdict
Huijsen and Alexander-Arnold’s moves to the Bernabeu will give Madrid a new-look defence for the Club World Cup, and Argentina’s youngest-ever debutant Franco Mastantuono is set to follow in August.
With another Liverpool defender also on Madrid’s transfer agenda in the form of Ibrahima Konate, Los Blancos are prioritising strengthening at the back, with Bellingham and co already established up front.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (13 June) that Arsenal’s move for wantaway winger Rodrygo has now collapsed, but in terms of incomings, Madrid’s transfer plan is already coming to fruition as they look to avoid another trophyless season in the biggest competitions on offer.