Jude Bellingham has become the most expensive British footballer of all time after Real Madrid pay Borussia Dortmund an initial €100 million (£85 million) for his services.
The deal could rise to €134 million (£115 million) depending on add-ons.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been one of the most sought-after young players in Europe in recent years, having impressed for Dortmund since joining the club from Birmingham City in 2020. He has made 109 appearances for the Bundesliga side, scoring 10 goals and providing 18 assists.
Bellingham is a versatile midfielder who can play in a number of positions. He is known for his passing, dribbling, and tackling ability. He is also a strong runner and has a good eye for goal.
His arrival at Real Madrid is a major coup for the Spanish club. They have been looking to strengthen their midfield for some time, and Bellingham is seen as a long-term successor to Luka Modric.
The transfer fee paid for Bellingham is a record for a British footballer. It surpasses the previous record of £85 million, which Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire from Leicester City in 2019.
The list of the 10 most expensive British footballers of all time is as follows:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – £115 million
- Jack Grealish (Manchester City) – £100 million
- Declan Rice (West Ham United) – £105 million
- Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) – £100 million (with add-ons)
- Jadon Sancho (Manchester United) – £75 million
- Harry Maguire (Manchester United) – £85 million
- Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) – £49 million
- Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – £45 million
- John Stones (Manchester City) – £47.5 million
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United) – £49 million
This list is likely to change in the coming years, as the transfer market continues to inflate. However, it is clear that British footballers are in high demand, and they continue to command some of the highest transfer fees in the world.
Who is the best British footballer ever?
This is a question that has been debated for many years, and there is no easy answer. However, some of the contenders for the title of best British footballer ever include:
- Sir Bobby Charlton: Charlton was a key member of the England team that won the 1966 World Cup. He was also a prolific goalscorer for Manchester United, scoring 249 goals in 758 appearances.
- George Best: Best was one of the most gifted footballers of all time. He was known for his dribbling skills and his ability to score goals from seemingly impossible angles.
- Kevin Keegan: Keegan was a brilliant goalscorer who won the European Golden Boot in 1978 and 1979. He also helped Liverpool to win the European Cup in 1977.
- Gary Lineker: Lineker was a prolific goalscorer who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup. He also helped Barcelona to win the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.
- David Beckham: Beckham was a global superstar who was known for his free-kicks and his ability to cross the ball. He won 115 caps for England and played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and AC Milan.
Ultimately, the question of who is the best British footballer ever is a matter of opinion. However, these are some of the players who have consistently been at the top of their game and who have made a significant contribution to English football.
