Saudi soccer remains determined to lure the biggest stars from Real Madrid. After unsuccessfully trying with Vinícius Júnior, the target now appears to be Jude Bellingham, one of the most influential footballers in the world and the cornerstone of Florentino Pérez's project.
According to OKDiario, a media outlet led by Eduardo Inda, Saudi Arabia has put an absolutely massive offer on the table to secure the services of the English midfielder.
An offer of 1 billion euros
The aforementioned report states that the contract offered to Bellingham reaches 1 billion euros ($1.08 billion) net for five seasons. In other words, 200 million euros ($216 million) for each year of play. This is an amount never seen before in the history of soccer and would break every record for transfers, contracts, or sponsorships in the sport.
Saudi Arabia's goal is to keep attracting world-class stars who will raise the competitive level of its league and give it greater international visibility. After signings like Cristiano Ronaldo or Benzema, the strategy is now focused on young players with the potential to become the best in the world over the next decade.
Bellingham has already replied
Despite the dizzying figure, Jude Bellingham's response has been immediate and clear: He's not interested in the money. The Englishman is fully convinced that his place is at Real Madrid, where he has already become a Santiago Bernabéu idol in just two seasons.
The midfielder values the prestige of wearing white, the opportunity to keep growing in Europe, and the chance to compete for the Champions League and the Ballon d'Or much more. For Bellingham, there's no future in Saudi Arabia, and he believes that making that move would be a step backward in his career at its most important moment.
Calm at Real Madrid
At the white club, this response has been received with satisfaction. Florentino Pérez is aware that Saudi Arabia's interest in its players won't disappear... but the loyalty shown by Jude Bellingham strengthens the sports project and ensures that the English star will remain key in the medium and long term.
Madridism is also celebrating this news. He's one of the most beloved players among the fans, both for his quality on the field and for his competitive character and identification with Real Madrid's values.
Although Bellingham's "no" has been emphatic, everything suggests that Saudi Arabia will keep seeking high-impact signings. The country's strategic plan is to keep investing astronomical sums, and sooner or later, they'll try again to lure young world-class players.
For now, Real Madrid can breathe easy. Jude Bellingham will keep shining at Bernabéu and won't be leaving Chamartín, no matter how much money comes from the Middle East.