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MEDIA BACKFLIP: JUDE BELLINGHAM SILENCES CRITICS AFTER LIVERPOOL SWAP RUMORS

Real Madrid's media performed a 180 on Jude Bellingham after his strong showing in a left-midfield role, praising him as the "glue" of the team.

Media Backflip: Jude Bellingham Silences Critics After Liverpool Swap Rumors
Bellingham Excels as the "Glue" in Midfield

Real Madrid's media had some strong words for Jude Bellingham just days ago, but now they're singing a different tune after rumors surfaced of a possible swap deal with Liverpool involving Alexis Mac Allister.

Bellingham, like a few Real Madrid players this season under Xabi Alonso, hasn't been at his usual top form. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he had the freedom to move into the penalty area and score goals consistently. However, since Alonso took over as manager last season, replacing Ancelotti, that hasn't been the case.

The Real Madrid media is quick to criticise players when their performance drops. Bellingham faced their fire after Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Girona.

Maria Jose Hostalrich, a journalist for Marca, said Alonso should get rid of Bellingham, arguing that the team plays better without him.

Tomas Roncero from AS mentioned on Cadena SER that Bellingham is missing and that the 22-year-old is still trying to figure out his best position.

All this happened while rumours were circulating about Bellingham moving to Liverpool in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister.

Defensa Central, a news source focused on Real Madrid, claimed that Liverpool had already contacted Bellingham's agent and father, Mark Bellingham.

However, this report should be viewed skeptically since no other sources have confirmed it. The report stated that Bellingham is clear about wanting to stay at Madrid, and the club isn't interested in offers for him.

Bellingham responded to the criticism with a strong performance in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.

Alonso played Bellingham on the left side of midfield, and Marca changed its opinion.

The publication noted that Bellingham's most complete performance in a long time played a key role in Real Madrid's win.

They added, With a more defined role as a midfielder, he shone in both building the play and connecting with the forwards, as well as in defence, where he tirelessly won the ball back and blocked Athletic's passes.

“The Englishman must understand he can enjoy a starring role in this team without needing to score goals or hover around the box as an attacking midfielder, but rather as the glue that holds the team’s play together. And he’s not incompatible with Guler. That’s a task Xabi Alonso still needs to address, and yesterday he finally got some enjoyment after a very tough few weeks.”

AS also commented that Bellingham was brilliant in the first half but faded in the second, saying that it was hard to sustain that level of energy and influence.

“Xabi stationed him on the left in the 4-4-2 at San Mames, and Bellingham nailed the role—disciplined defensively, but popping up wherever the attack needed him in transition.”

Against Athletic, Bellingham didn't take any shots but made one key pass, according to WhoScored.

He had a passing accuracy of 92.9%, won two headers, had 76 touches on the ball, and completed two dribbles.

Notably, Bellingham made seven tackles, one interception, and three clearances in the game.

WHY AC MILAN ARE TURNING TO REAL MADRID’S BACKUP ANDRIY LUNIN TO REPLACE MIKE MAIGNAN

AC Milan is preparing a €15M bid for Andriy Lunin. Discover why the Real Madrid keeper is now the favourite to take over at San Siro.

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Is Andriy Lunin The Solution To Milan

AC Milan might go after Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid this summer, according to Defensa Central. Apparently, Milan is having trouble getting Mike Maignan to sign a new contract.

So, Lunin is high on their list as a possible replacement. He did sign a deal to stay with Real Madrid until 2030, but Milan is still watching him while things with Maignan are up in the air.

Reportedly, Milan gave Maignan a final offer of €7 million per season, but he's not sure about it. Because of this, the club is now scouting for other options.

If Maignan leaves, Milan's bosses plan to offer between €10 million and €15 million for Lunin. They think that's a fair price for a keeper with his experience.

Real Madrid usually doesn't do winter transfers. The club has already said they won't sell anyone in January, except for loaning Endrick to Lyon. So, they won't even think about a deal for Lunin until the season is over.

Lunin turned down offers from Turkish clubs last summer to compete for his spot at Real Madrid. The chance to start every week at Milan could change his mind. At 26, he's currently Courtois' backup. A move in 2026 could give him the playing time he wants. Manchester United was also interested in Lunin last summer, so there'll be plenty of teams after him.

Why Real Madrid Should Ask for More or Keep Lunin

Lunin showed what he's capable of when he filled in for Courtois. He has the skills to play at the highest level. He saved Real Madrid many times, including in important Champions League games. Because of his input, his value has increased.

The rumoured price of €10 million to €15 million seems too low. Lunin was key to Real Madrid's defence for most of the 2023/24 season. Real Madrid should ask for way more if they decide to sell. If not, they should keep him as a backup in case Courtois gets hurt again.

Selling him for that little would be a mistake. It’s almost impossible to find another backup as good as him for that price these days. It's hard to keep a keeper who wants to be the number one, but Xabi Alonso thinks having a deep squad is very important.

Real Madrid needs to think about the money versus the risk on the field. Letting a talent like Lunin go for cheap would be a bad move. Madrid should keep him unless Milan makes a much better offer. Having two top-notch goalkeepers creates a sense of security that money can't often buy.

MARKET REPORT: WHY CHELSEA IS SUDDENLY THE FAVORITE TO RESIGN ANTONIO RüDIGER

Antonio Rüdiger is considering a shock return to Chelsea as Real Madrid pause contract talks. Read why Xabi Alonso is hesitant.

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Chelsea to Explore a Free Transfer for Antonio Rüdiger

Word on the street is that Antonio Rudiger might head back to Chelsea. The Real Madrid player is thinking about coming back to the Premier League. His deal with Real Madrid runs out in 2026, and he hasn't agreed to a new one yet. There's talk he might leave next summer and maybe even team up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.

Contract Talks On Hold

Back in November, Marca said that Rudiger and Real Madrid started talking about a new contract, but those talks are on pause now. His current contract is up at the end of the season. They started talking months ago, threw some numbers around, and both sides seemed to want a deal.

But they stopped talking after Rudiger hurt his muscle in September. They decided it wasn't right to make a deal while he was getting better.

Back to Chelsea?

Rudiger played for Chelsea for five years, winning a Champions League title, before moving to Real Madrid in 2022. Now, he might go back to Chelsea. There are rumours that Chelsea wants him back next summer, according to Diario AS.

Also, Paris Saint-Germain is interested, and Galatasaray is watching what's happening with him in Madrid.

Besides Europe, he's also wanted in Saudi Arabia. Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal are thinking about trying to get him next year.

What Alonso Thinks

BILD said in October that Xabi Alonso, the Madrid boss, isn't totally sold on Rudiger. He thinks Rudiger has been getting injured too much and hasn't been playing consistently. Also, Dean Huijsen, who joined in the summer, has been playing great and has already won a starting spot. Huijsen and Eder Militao have been a solid pair in the back, but Militao got hurt recently.

Madrid Might Not Sign Two Defenders

Even with Rudiger's future up in the air, AS says that Madrid isn't looking to sign two defenders anymore. They were looking at Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool and Dayot Upamecano from Bayern Munich. Both of those guys might leave their clubs since they're in the last six months of their contracts.

There were reports that Real Madrid wasn't interested in Konate because he hadn't been playing well lately. They might still move next summer, but it probably won't be to Real Madrid.

Alonso's team plays Real Betis at home on January 4 after the winter break.

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