After a mixed start to the season, Real Madrid are currently entering an important phase, where the club are expected to announce a series of contract renewals.
Thibaut Courtois is one of the first players expected to sign a new deal that will see him continue at Santiago Bernabeu beyond the summer of 2027.
Real Madrid’s bigger objective, though, is the renewal of Jude Bellingham and on that front, the club have made some positive strides.
Verbal agreement reached with Bellingham
Bellingham will continue at Real Madrid. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
According to Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid and Bellingham have now reached a verbal agreement over a new long-term contract that will run for the next five years.
The deal is described as done and closed, with only the formalities left to complete.
Romano adds that the lawyers on both the player’s side and the club’s side must now exchange all the relevant documents, after which an official ceremony will be arranged to celebrate Bellingham putting pen to paper.
The news aligns with earlier reports that Madrid had agreed terms with the midfielder on an extension until June 30, 2031.
His original deal was due to expire in 2029, meaning the renewal keeps him tied to the Spanish capital for an additional two seasons.
A statement of intent from the club
Real Madrid want to avoid the possibility of Bellingham moving to the Premier League. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Securing Bellingham’s future could be a major piece of business for Los Blancos.
Negotiations are understood to have begun towards the end of last season, with both parties aligned from the very start.
The England international’s deepening bond with the club and his life in Madrid have only strengthened the relationship, as has the affection shown to him by supporters at the Bernabeu.
With the likes of Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos having moved on, Bellingham has increasingly assumed a leadership role within the dressing room.
Financially, he is expected to be rewarded handsomely too, with reports suggesting his salary could rise significantly to place him among the club’s top earners.
For Real Madrid, tying down one of the world’s best midfielders is a boost, especially at a time when the club have lacked the presence of a leader in the middle of the park.