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Updated 02/06/2024 at 09:33 GMT+1
Real Madrid have just won their sixth European Cup in 10 years, but Jude Bellingham believes that they can get even better if the rumours of Kylian Mbappe's imminent arrival are true. Mbappe, who struck 44 goals in 48 games for PSG in his final season in the French capital, announced back in May that he would be moving on this summer. All reporting points towards the Frenchman heading to Madrid.
‘The only little thing we’re missing’ – Bellingham explains what Mbappe might bring to Real
Jude Bellingham strode off the Wembley pitch after claiming his first European Cup with Real Madrid on Saturday night only to turn his mind to the prospect of Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
Speaking on TNT Sports' coverage of the UEFA Champions League final, Bellingham was asked about the persistent rumours that the France No. 9 would be joining Madrid this summer.
Bellingham was careful not to accidentally confirm anything, underlining the fact that nothing official has been confirmed but he spoke with excitement about the prospect of playing alongside the Paris Saint-Germain striker.
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He said: "If that was to happen, it would be amazing."
The former Birmingham City midfielder turned his mind to Mbappe's specific qualities, pointing out that Madrid had missed those skills during the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund to secure their 15th European Cup.
He said: "A player like him...you see tonight I think it's the only little thing that maybe we're missing in terms of that clinical nine and I think if he was to come and give us that, we'd be in a really, really great place."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/06/02/3980662-80788948-2560-1440.jpg "Jude Bellingham addresses Kylian Mbappe's rumoured Real Madrid move - 'He'd take us to another level' - TNT Sports (2)")
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The only true centre forward in Madrid's squad is former Stoke City striker Joselu. The Spain international is not without his own qualities but is not even technically a Madrid player as he is on loan from Espanyol.
For Bellingham, the injection of Mbappe's qualities would provide significant impact.
He said: "He'd take us to another level."
Given that Real Madrid have won six of the last 10 Champions Leagues, the notion that this group of players could yet improve is a frightening one for their rivals.
But, as Bellingham pointed out, Mbappe is "one of the best players in the world, clearly."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/06/01/3980594-80787588-2560-1440.jpg "Jude Bellingham addresses Kylian Mbappe's rumoured Real Madrid move - 'He'd take us to another level' - TNT Sports (3)")
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Mbappe scored 44 goals in 48 games this season, before announcing in May that it would be his final campaign in the French capital.
He signs off his PSG career with 256 goals, 96 assists and 15 trophies. Before joining the Parisiens, Mbappe helped AS Monaco to a stunning Ligue 1 title.
As an international, Mbappe won the 2018 World Cup and 2021 Nations League while also reaching the World Cup final again in 2022. He has contributed 46 goals and 27 assists, and has already equalled Pele with 12 World Cup goals. At the age of 25 he is only four goals behind Miroslav Klose's all-time record.
Should he arrive in the Spanish capital this summer, Mbappe would fill the gap left by the departure of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema in 2023.
The award for the world's greatest player is one accolade that has thus-far eluded Mbappe, but Real Madrid have a storied history of helping their stars win the ultimate individual prize.
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