Real Madrid told Mark Bellingham that his son will not be sold under any circumstances, according to a Spanish report that has swept La Liga circles since Wednesday.
Spanish journalist Pepe Alvarez says Bellingham senior met the club’s board at the end of last season to raise a possible departure over what were described as football-related disagreements with figures higher up in the sporting hierarchy. The board’s response, per Alvarez, was flat: their England international is untransferable.
Nothing about the meeting has been confirmed by Real Madrid, Bellingham or his representatives. The sourcing traces to a single Spanish reporter. Treat the claim as a rumour.
A record seven goals for England
Bellingham had just closed a summer that turned him into the most prolific England player at a major finals. Seven goals across the 2026 World Cup: one against Croatia, one against Panama, doubles against Mexico in the last-16 and Norway in the quarter-final, and a stoppage-time seventh in the 6-4 bronze-medal victory over France on 18 July.
Read also: Infantino tries to calm World Cup revolt: 'A proposal, not an obligation'
England lost the semi-final 2-1 to Argentina in Atlanta. His reaction the following day was about the group, not himself.
“I think the one thing that’s overriding for me is pride.”
“I’ll be back, we’ll be back and we’ll give everything we have to try and bring it home for us.”
Six goals in 28 LaLiga games
The tournament numbers stand in sharp contrast to his club output. Bellingham finished 2025-26 with six goals and four assists in 28 LaLiga appearances, a modest return by his own standards and a long way from the 19-goal debut season that first turned him into a European superstar.
Read also: "Football is not FIFA's to sell": UEFA blasts Infantino's controversial proposal
Goal’s write-up of the Alvarez report claims persistent Premier League interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool, though none of the three clubs has publicly declared a move. According to Alvarez, Real Madrid’s position was equally firm: no offers would be entertained.
Mourinho inherits the situation
The messaging matters because Real Madrid have already restructured for a new cycle. Jose Mourinho was named head coach on 11 June on a three-year deal running until June 2029, and began pre-season on 10 July with a squad the board considers built around Bellingham.
The meeting Alvarez reports would have taken place before Mourinho arrived, under the previous coaching regime. Bellingham is due back at Valdebebas after his post-tournament break.
Read also: Ethiopian youth football team disappears in Sweden after tournament
Read also: Michael Schumacher's family friend breaks silence on Majorca rumours
