‘No-brainer’ - Jude Bellingham explains why he chose Real Madrid move ahead of Man City

Jude Bellingham has said it was a ‘no-brainer’ to choose Real Madrid over Manchester City last summer.

The midfielder was the subject of interest from several of Europe’s top clubs, but opted to join Los Blancos from Borussia Dortmund in June for a fee of £88m. City were among the sides who monitored the situation, but a move never looked on the cards and the switch to Madrid was agreed early in the window.

The England international will be at the Etihad on Wednesday, however, when Real face City in the second leg of the Champions League last-16. Bellingham, who has scored 20 goals in his debut campaign at the Bernabeu, could easily have ended up on the other side had things gone differently last summer.

“I had good chats with clubs including Dortmund and my family were great in helping me chew up that information,” the 20-year-old explained. “It’s difficult while you are still in the season to take in the information and process it and still have to play at the weekend or in the Champions League. 

“I had conversations with other teams but when Madrid came in it was a no-brainer really. The size of the club, the project, the plan going forward, the chance to play with such amazing players. I just jumped at it. That’s why I made my decision.”

Playing abroad at such a young age is unusual for English protegees, but Bellingham said his rapid progression in recent years might not have been possible had he signed for a Premier League club in 2020, rather than joining Dortmund.

“I was at Dortmund for three years, I took a path that’s a bit unfamiliar for players in England,” he explained. “It’s different but you learn a lot and I take a lot back to the national team. 

“But I am grateful for the opportunities I've been given in European football. I think maybe they wouldn’t be as accessible in England. Thanks to my parents and the people around me. I think playing abroad is definitely a good idea for young players and hopefully I’m showing that.”