Jude Bellingham’s representatives have approached Real Madrid regarding a new contract, seeking to bridge the wage gap between the English star and some of his higher-paid teammates, according to reports in Spain.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who joined Madrid in the summer of 2023 for €103m (£88m), has been nothing short of sensational. His 23-goal debut season, which included La Liga and Champions League triumphs, cemented his status as one of the club’s most valuable players. Despite playing in a deeper role this season to accommodate Kylian Mbappé, Bellingham remains a key attacking threat and is the only Madrid player with double digits for both goals and assists across all competitions.
Why Is Bellingham Pushing for a New Contract?
Despite his immense contributions, Bellingham’s salary is significantly lower than that of Madrid’s other superstars. According to AS, his annual earnings are estimated between €8-10m (£6.7-8.3m) after tax.
For comparison:
- Kylian Mbappé earns a €15m (£12.5m) annual salary—almost double Bellingham’s.
- Vinicius Junior is on a similar €15m salary.
- Mbappé’s signing-on bonus alone is worth €8m per season, nearly matching Bellingham’s entire salary.
With these financial disparities, Bellingham’s representatives have reportedly made informal inquiries about adjusting his contract to reflect his importance to the team.
Real Madrid’s Priorities: Vinicius Comes First
While Bellingham’s contract situation is well-known internally at Madrid, the club is currently focused on securing a new deal for Vinicius Junior.
The 24-year-old Brazilian’s contract expires in 2027, two years before Bellingham’s, and he has already rejected Madrid’s first offer. However, Vinicius has expressed his commitment to staying at the club, and negotiations are ongoing.
Until Vinicius’ future is secured, discussions over Bellingham’s salary increase are unlikely to progress.
What’s Next?
Bellingham is not pushing for an immediate exit but is keen to see his wages better reflect his status as one of the world’s top players. Given his importance to Real Madrid, it’s only a matter of time before the club rewards him with a lucrative new deal—but how soon will they act?
With Madrid balancing multiple contract negotiations, this could be a long battle behind the scenes before Bellingham gets the pay rise he deserves.
