Jude Bellingham under scrutiny as transfer noise and Madrid pressure intensify

December 3, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

A shifting week for madrid

Real Madrid’s season has taken an unexpectedly tense turn after three consecutive league draws, a run that has sparked uproar across the club’s highly influential media landscape. In Spain, even short spells of uneven performances can set off wide debate. The club’s global profile and political culture mean players often face scrutiny that would be considered excessive elsewhere.

Jude Bellingham, one of the most recognisable young footballers in the world, has become the focus of this latest cycle. The England midfielder delivered a remarkable debut campaign for Madrid, helping the team win both LaLiga and the Champions League. His second season, however, has included patches of inconsistent form as he settles into Xabi Alonso’s evolving system.

For readers outside the football world, it is worth noting that Real Madrid operates under a level of expectation unmatched in most clubs. Minor dips can escalate quickly and draw intense public commentary. At the same time, transfer rumours routinely surface whenever a star player appears unsettled, whether the speculation is grounded or not.

Transfer reports gain traction

According to TEAMtalk, which cited reporting from the Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Liverpool have explored the possibility of positioning themselves for a future move by contacting Bellingham’s camp. The report stated that Mark Bellingham, Jude’s father and representative, was approached as Liverpool considered whether his current scrutiny might signal a rare opening.

Defensa Central also claimed, according to TEAMtalk, that Liverpool have weighed a potential 2026 exchange involving midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who has long attracted interest from Real Madrid. These suggestions were presented as exploratory rather than immediate, reflecting how major clubs monitor long term opportunities.

The same reports indicated that Bellingham’s adaptation to Alonso’s tactical demands has been uneven at times, prompting clubs abroad to keep an eye on developments. Even so, Madrid were portrayed as unwilling to consider a sale under any circumstances.

Player’s position remains firm

TEAMtalk wrote that Defensa Central described Bellingham’s stance as unequivocal, noting he is clear about wanting to remain in Madrid for many years. The outlet added that club officials intend to do everything possible to keep him at the center of their long term planning.

This comes as Real Madrid’s 1,1 draw with Girona, following two earlier stalemates away from home, amplified frustration among fans and commentators. At Madrid, a cluster of disappointing results can feel like a full scale crisis, especially when key figures such as Bellingham are not matching their earlier heights.

Spanish media voices respond

According to TEAMtalk, AS journalist Tomas Roncero discussed Bellingham on Cadena SER, saying the midfielder appears missing compared with last season and is still clarifying his positional role under Alonso. His comments reflected a wider view among Madrid leaning outlets that the team lacks clarity in midfield.

Marca contributor Javier Tinto argued, according to TEAMtalk, that the current system restricts attacking stars like Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, adding that Bellingham and Federico Valverde leave the forwards too isolated. The criticism extended beyond individual players, touching on tactical rigidity.

Marca journalist María Jose Hostalrich delivered one of the sharper assessments. According to TEAMtalk, she questioned why Alonso has been reluctant to remove Bellingham when the team has looked more fluid without him at certain moments.

Across Cadena SER, commentator Javier Herraez urged several players to reflect on their performance levels and used Bellingham as an example, describing him as apathetic.

Fellow broadcaster Anton Meana added, according to TEAMtalk, that Alonso may feel restricted in making bold substitutions after earlier controversy involving Vinicius Junior, making the decision to remove Bellingham politically difficult.

Growing tension around the club

The atmosphere around Real Madrid often tightens during periods of mixed results, and this moment is no exception. Superstars, regardless of past achievements, are expected to deliver every week in both style and impact. Managers, meanwhile, are expected to respond decisively to fluctuations in form.

Although speculation has linked Bellingham to Liverpool’s long term planning, reporting from Spain, according to TEAMtalk, suggests neither the player nor Real Madrid are entertaining a separation. What remains is the familiar pattern of scrutiny, debate and expectation that surrounds Madrid during any moment of uncertainty.

The situation illustrates how quickly narratives shift in European football, where form, perception and opportunity often intersect. For now, the tension reflects the club’s immense standards rather than any confirmed move on the horizon.