Harry Maguire reacts as Jude Bellingham clinches £108 million transfer to Real Madrid

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has congratulated Jude Bellingham on his transfer to Real Madrid.

Real Madrid presented Jude Bellingham this week as their big new signing, unveiling him with a number five shirt.

The Mirror report the total fee with add-ons will cost £108 million. Last year the same newspaper had claimed Borussia Dortmund wanted £130 million.

Bellingham chose to sign for Real, leaving Dortmund little room to negotiate. Manchester United were not serious contenders this time around.

Harry Maguire congratulates Jude Bellingham

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was among those congratulating Jude Bellingham on his big move to Real Madrid.

He reached out via Instagram, writing, ‘well deserved mate’. The pair are England international teammates.

Manchester United attempted to sign Jude Bellingham from Birmingham City in 2020, and even toured him around Carrington.

Failing to get this deal done was a big missed opportunity. The Telegraph had reported this March that United were prepared to re-enter the race for Bellingham, but soon after it emerged Bellingham was Madrid-bound.

Real announced the transfer on the opening day of the transfer window, which really underlines how organised they are, to conclude such a big deal so early on. That is the kind of business Manchester United must aspire to.

As for Bellingham, he looks set to be at Real for years to come. But if he does decide to eventually play in the Premier League one day, United will of course take an interest.