Bellingham’s Real Madrid release clause higher than value of Man Utd’s squad

Jude Bellingham’s reported £871million Real Madrid release clause is higher than the value of Manchester United’s entire squad as the eye-watering finances of the teenager’s move to La Liga become clearer. The Borussia Dortmund star has been one of the most sought-after players in world football in recent years but Los Blancos appear to have won the race for his signature.

Bellingham is widely expected to play his football at the Bernabeu next season after the Spanish giants beat the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to his signature. The deal is likely to be one of the most expensive in football history with Dortmund believed to be holding out for a figure in excess of £100m.

With so much money spent on bringing him in, Real are understandably keen to protect their investment. Spanish rules mean that every player must have a release clause written into their so Los Blancos intends to make it impossible for any team to match it with 90min reporting that it will cost no less than £871m (€1billion).

The practice is not uncommon at the Bernabeu with the same clause already written into the contracts of Eder Militao, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo as Real build a team for the future.

The release clause is more than the value of United’s entire squad, stressing the finances involved in the deal. Transfermarkt estimates the squad is worth around £693m with Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes considered to be the most valuable players at Old Trafford.

Real’s negotiations for Bellingham are not yet finalised with the clubs still haggling over details like price and payment structure. The Spanish side are said to be flexible as they look to sort out the issues behind the huge transfer but the two parties are believed to be moving closer to finalising the deal.

However, it is widely expected that they will reach an agreement and Bellingham’s representatives have provisionally agreed personal terms in preparation – including the mammoth release clause.

Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has been reluctant to comment on the rumours, instead stressing his full focus along with Bellingham’s is on winning the Bundesliga.

“Jude comes here every day and gives everything to become German champion at the end of the season,” he said. “I haven’t even heard from him that he’s involved with any club. We are much more concerned with how we can make him and the team better. That’s the only topic I currently have with him.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Bellingham’s deal will be finalised but it is increasingly clear that they will be huge finances involved.