Real Madrid have found a loophole in the system which could well make it easier to secure the services of top target Jude Bellingham.
In La Liga, the regulations in place mean clubs can only have three non-EU players in their ranks. If they wanted to bring in another non-EU player, a current one would have to be offloaded.
That is, unless, current stars are able to achieve dual nationality and that is exactly what Real have done with three of their key players.
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Champions League final matchwinner Vinicius Jr received Spanish citizenship in September and his compatriots Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao have followed suit.
The Brazilian trio are now seen as Spanish in the eyes of La Liga and their Spanish passports have been acquired 53 days apart in a big win for the 14-time European champions.
They now have three non-EU spots freed going into the January transfer market should Carlo Ancelotti feel the need to strengthen his squad.
It could be a big boost in their bid to sign another Samba starlet as Real are said to be keen on 16-year-old Palmeiras sensation Endrick.
And in addition, it's well-documented that Los Blancos are extremely high on Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.
The Birmingham City academy product has developed into one of the most exciting midfield talents in world football and his all-action displays in the Champions League have caught Real's eye.
They are very much planning for life without Toni Kroos and Luka Modric with the additions of young midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelian Tchouameni but want Bellingham in the mix too.
As per the Daily Mail, he is rated at £100 million by Dortmund and Real believe their positive relationship with the Bundesliga side means they think they are in pole position.
Real are of the opinion that if they match a bid made by a Premier League side such as Liverpool or Manchester City, Dortmund would rather sell to them.
Topics: Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo
Josh Lawless