Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Football
Nasir Jabbar
Jude Bellingham could cost Real Madrid an astronomical sum as a nightmare scenario has been revealed.
Bellingham has emerged as a key player for Real since his £88.5 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
He enjoyed a stunning debut campaign, scoring 23 goals across all competitions and helped his side win the Champions League.
By their high standards, Real had a disappointing campaign last season as the 21-year-old aims to lead his team to glory at the Club World Cup.
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But Bellingham has struggled with a persistent shoulder problem since 2023 and has worn strapping on his shoulder when playing for his club and England.
He is set to go under the knife as Real have scheduled an operation for the player when the Club World Cup is over.
If Real reach the final, then they could be in the United States until July 13.
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Once he undergoes surgery, Bellingham could be ruled out until 2026 in what would be a devastating blow to Real and England.
If that's the case, then he would be out of action for around 24 weeks.
That means Real would pay Bellingham, who earns a reported £330,000-per-week, around £8 million without having him available.
But the figure could be between £4 million and £6 million if the Three Lions star is sidelined for three to four months, which has also been reported.
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Bellingham has been carrying a shoulder injury since he suffered initial damage on November 5, 2023, during a tangle with Rayo Vallecano's Isi Palazon.
Speaking after his team's 3-1 victory over Pachuca last weekend, he said he's losing patience over his shoulder situation: "I've gotten to the point where the pain isn't so bad.
"I was tired of playing with the sling.
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"I'm losing a lot of weight from sweating so much, and I’ll have surgery after the tournament.
"I've been waiting a while, and my patience is running out, but the physios and doctors have been incredible, and I want to feel free."
Bellingham has started both of Real's games at the Club World Cup and could keep his place in the starting XI when they resume their campaign on Friday against RB Salzburg.