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      Inside ‘insane’ £1.5bn Bernabeu renovation from hidden tunnels under stadium to setting FIRE to the old roof

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      THE “insane” £1.5billion Bernabeu renovation included a hidden network of underground tunnels and setting FIRE to the old roof.And the epic project even required a full year-long study of the sun to avoid blinding drivers.The new look Bernabeu is a thing of beautyCredit: Real MadridThe complex model is a first for football infrastructureCredit: Real MadridThe underground greenhouse features six levelsCredit: National GeographicThere was plenty of fire in the operation – from creating the steel facade to burning the old roofCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraTunnels underneath the stadium allowed machinery to drive aroundCredit: National GeographicThe finished article has fans and players alike in aweCredit: GettyReal Madrid spent a fortune updating their iconic stadium, finally completing the work in 2024.Much has been made of the brand-new features such as the 360-degree LED scoreboard screen, the sleek steel facade and the flagship VIP hospitality suite, the SkyBar.The pitch has also been split into six panels which are split up and stored in an underground greenhouse hypogeum, only coming out for matchday, in one of the most advanced pieces of architecture in world football. Now, though, the reality of the sheer logistical ingenuity and complexity of the Bernabeu facelift has been revealed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA National Geographic documentary – Megastructures: Real Madrid Super Stadium – followed the mammoth project, which was ironically massively helped by the Covid pandemic. That is because Real Madrid were insistent that they would keep on playing at the Bernabeu for their domestic matches throughout the construction work.As a result, the pitch was out of bounds to protect the playing surface while all the heavy machinery had to be stored away to meet safety regulations with 80,000 fans in attendance – although the cranes made for surreal aerial viewing spots for a lucky few. So part of the early stages of the work involved digging tunnels beneath the stadium to allow the diggers to be stored and get to different areas of the site easily. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the issue with needing to keep the pitch clear meant work on the roof was particularly tricky as the team had to avoid it at all costs – essentially operating like work on a bridge over water. One of the earliest stages of the renovation included dismantling the old partial roof to remove it and make way for the new state-of-the-art roof.Real Madrid release amazing time lapse footage of Bernabeu construction work as retractable roof is added And that involved setting sections ablaze in staggering scenes. Once the existing roof was completely removed, the delicate process of constructing a frame for the new roof took place.Incredibly, the modern retractable roof weighs the same as two Eiffel Towers.And there is even an inflatable pad within the machinery – carefully programmed alongside the rest of the aeronautical roof – which makes it fully waterproof. When the Covid pandemic worsened and Spain went into lockdown, the 2019-20 football season was put on pause.But for the workers, they got the green light to carry on – and carry on they did, with a non-stop day-and-night operation in full swing.The Bernabeu pitch is stored underground in six piecesCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe Covid pandemic allowed the old pitch to become a building siteCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe 360-degree LED screens are a wonderful additionCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe hypogeum is 23m deepCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe 13,200 slats were each manufactured uniquelyCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraSome academy players had a kick about on the jigsaw-style pitch at the training groundCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraAnd, crucially, no matches enabled them to rip up the luscious green pitch and convert it into a building site. That paved the way for work to begin on the revolutionary system, digging down a whopping 23 metres below the surface to create six levels in the ultimate game of underground football pitch Tetris. A replica pitch using the same technology had been designed at Los Blancos’ training ground using their custom agronomic laboratory to build the replicated ‘pieces’ structure, first tested out by several academy young stars.Real Madrid had two objectives: they wanted the very best turf in the world and they wanted to be able to store it away when not in use to make the Bernabeu into a money machine able to host events – such as Taylor Swift concerts – whenever there was no match.Simples. Or not. The finishing touches to the new version of the Bernabeu – ironically the first thing fans will notice arriving – came with the stunning exterior.A whopping 13,200 slats of uniquely-designed steel were all individually manufactured to create the striking appearance. But even the steel wraparound required detailed research lasting a full 365 days – aka a full orbit of the sun. Because the architects, designers and safety officers had to ensure it was safe.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe metallic exterior catches the sun and therefore they were required to make sure the positioning and intensity of the bright reflections would not get dangerously hot nor startle and blind drivers using the roads around the ground or get too hot.Make no mistake about it, the new Bernabeu is a piece of sheer design absurdity and creativity to utterly bonkers proportions – but would you expect anything less from Real Madrid Club de Futbol?The new roof structure weighs the same as two Eiffel TowersCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraBeing unable to work on the pitch initially meant workers used bridge-building techniquesCredit: National GeographicThe operation was captured by National Geographic’s camerasCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe entire project cost approximately £1.5billionCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe major work was completed in 2024Credit: National GeographicTwo 500-ton sections of the mega-trusses had to be perfectly alignedCredit: National GeographicThe greenhouse creates the perfect environment for the grassCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraSome workers were able to watch matches from cranes early onCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe pitch only comes out on matchdaysCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraWork continued through the night for several stagesCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe facade exterior features a striking steel wraparound designCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe cranes and machines had to be stored away while matches continuedCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraA year-long sun study was required to ensure drivers would not be blindedCredit: Real MadridThe retractable roof is fully waterproof thanks to an inflating padCredit: Real MadridGroundstaff work on the pitch undergroundCredit: National GeographicThe aeronautically roof is precisely programmedCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraA replica pitch was also created at the agronomy laboratory across townCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraReal Madrid were insistent they wanted the very best turf in the worldCredit: National Geographic/Josep SerraThe Bernabeu played host to Taylor Swift during her Eras tourCredit: National Geographic/Josep Serra More

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      James Rodriguez becomes unemployed again as Colombia legend, 33, is released on sixth free transfer in six years

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      JAMES RODRIGUEZ has become unemployed for the sixth year in a row and is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League.The 33-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract at LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano was mutually terminated.James Rodriguez has become unemployed again after leaving Rayo VallecanoCredit: GettyHe moved to Rayo in August but has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions.Rodriguez had signed a one-year deal with Rayo, who sit 12th in the Spanish top-flight, with the option of a further 12 months.There are both economic and sporting reasons for the former Real Madrid man’s early departure, according to The Athletic.The Colombia international joined Rayo off the back of winning the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa America.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe produced six assists to help fire Colombia to the final, only for he and his team-mates to suffer heartbreak with a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.However, Rodriguez has featured just six times in LaLiga this season and predominantly as a substitute.And the former World Cup breakthrough star has not played in the league since a 13-minute cameo against Las Palmas on November 8.Rodriguez moved to Rayo on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Sao Paulo one season into a two-year contract.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Bayern Munich forward has had spells at Everton, Olympiacos and Al-Rayyan since leaving the Bernabeu in 2020.He joined the Toffees in 2020 to reunite with his former Madrid and  Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRodriguez became a favourite at Goodison Park, before being frozen out by Ancelotti’s unpopular successor Rafael Benitez.He starred 26 times for the Toffees, scoring six goals and laying on eight assists, but they could only finish 10th.And a return to Premier League action is not off the table, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.The report cites Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest as all being interested in the Colombian.It was at the 2014 World Cup when Rodriguez burst on to the scene as one of the hottest properties in football.Rodriguez burst on to the scene with Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in BrazilCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut amid offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, he opted to join Real Madrid after lighting up the tournament in Brazil.Rodriguez went on to win two LaLiga titles and a pair of Champions Leagues with Madrid.He then spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, adding a pair of Bundesliga titles to his trophy collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned to Real Madrid for the 2019-20 campaign, before joining Everton on a free in September 2020.He captains Colombia and has been capped 112 times at international level, scoring 29 goals.Rodriguez played 26 times for Everton More

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      ‘I heard things that you should not hear as a footballer’ – Cult hero opens up on ‘uncomfortable’ transfer to Everton

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      EVERTON cult hero Royston Drenthe has revealed the bizarre circumstances behind his move to Goodison Park. The 37-year-old joined the Toffees on loan from Real Madrid in 2011.Royston Drenthe has opened up on his transfer to Everton in 2011Credit: GettyThe Dutchman became a cult figure at Goodison – but left under a cloudCredit: PA:Empics SportDrenthe found the net just three minutes into his debut against Fulham, immediately endearing himself to the home faithful. But his time on Merseyside fell apart after he was lambasted by manager David Moyes for being late to training.The Dutchman has revealed his agent wasn’t even able to attend the meeting as Real discussed terms with the Toffees.An assistant was sent in his place, leaving Drenthe to sit in on the negotiations. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDrenth told Soccernews.nl: “My agent at the time couldn’t be there, so one of his right-hand men came to fix the deal. “He had to do that together with me.”So now I was there myself, and with a stranger too.”Players usually leave negotiations to agents – and Drenthe admits he heard things “not meant for his ears.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe continued: “Practically speaking, I heard all the details, ins and outs that were probably not meant for my ears.”It was a bit uncomfortable. I also heard the management fee, that kind of thing.Royston Drenthe looks unrecognisable as he trains with Racing Murcia for first time since shock free transfer aged 33 “You could also see from his actions that he was not at ease because I also heard things that you should not hear as a footballer.”Look, agents do their job too. But they are often things that are not for our ears. “They do act very transparent, but in most cases they are not.””They have been able to eat well from this transfer, yes, I am convinced of that!”Drenthe’s career never fully recovered from his stint with the Toffees.He later played for both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading, but fell into obscurity before retiring in 2023.Lost millionsRenowned for his off-field antics, Drenthe spent five years at Madrid and won both the LaLiga title and Spanish Super Cup while being Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate.But he admits to losing millions on parties, holidays and fast cars.Drenthe recently told Dutch TV: “I felt like a god at Real Madrid, playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and I am proud of it.”But I also liked to party hard in this world of glitter and glamour. I used to drink a lot even though I had to train the next day.”In my first year with them I earned £1.4million, and received another £430,000 as a signing-on bonus.”But I am not a rich man. I squandered the money on holidays and nice cars.”Drenthe’s life away from the pitch has often overshadowed his efforts on it.He has enjoyed work as a rapper, actor, TV pundit, healthcare worker and fashion shopkeeper.His on-field career included an initial retirement in 2016, before returning in 2018.The shock decision to retire came after spells in Turkey and Abu Dhabi which saw him go unpaid.He told SunSport in 2018: “The situation was repeating and repeating,” he tells SunSport.”No matter which country I was, which city, it didn’t change. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I was like ‘I’m leaving, I don’t want your money no more, I’m going’.”Then it would happen again. So after, I was just like ‘f*** it.'”Drenthe won the La Liga title during his time with Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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      Jude Bellingham’s furious reaction to Valencia goalkeeper after Vinicius Jr sent off in heated Real Madrid clash

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM furiously threw out the contents of Valencia goalkeeper’s water bottle after team-mate Vinicius Jr was sent off.The Real Madrid star popped up with a 96th-minute winner as his side staged a dramatic late comeback.Jude Bellingham spilled out the keeper’s water bottleHe and Stole Dimitrievski came together after Vincius’ red cardCredit: GettyLuka Modric had equalised minutes earlier to help ten-man Real to a 2-1 win.Talisman Vinicius Jr saw red – both literally and metaphorically – and was dismissed in the 79th minute with Valencia leading 1-0.The Brazilian raised his hands to push Valencia keeper Stole Dimitrievski in the face.Dimitrievski immediately dropped to the ground and the referee was left with no choice but to brandish a red card.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever Bellingham was unhappy with Dimitrievski’s behaviour and decided to get his own back.He walked over to Dimitrievski’s water bottle, undid the cap and threw out the liquid inside.Dimitrievski looked unimpressed and had a few choice words to aim at the England star, who appeared unfazed.Real Madrid’s win helped them regain top spot ahead of rivals Atletico Madrid.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBellingham now has seven goals in LaLiga this season, which have come in the last eight matches.However he could have had another against Valencia but hit the post with a penalty.Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirt More

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      Vinicius Jr forced down tunnel by team-mate Rudiger in angry scenes after being sent off for pushing keeper in head

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR had to be forced down the tunnel by Antonio Rudiger after being sent off in angry scenes.The Real Madrid forward, 24, lost his head during tonight’s LaLiga clash away at Valencia.Vinicius Junior shoved Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the headCredit: EPAThe Brazilian was sent off and reacted angrilyCredit: GettyIn an action-packed game, Vinicius’s fury boiled over with little more than ten minutes left as Real trailed 1-0.Valencia’s goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski clearly said something to wind Vinicius up.And the Brazilian responded by getting up off the turf and shoving Dimitrievski in the head.The Valencia stopper tumbled to the floor and the referee took his time before brandishing the red card.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd that prompted another furious reaction from Vinicius as he seemingly looked set to go at the official, gesticulating angrily.However, he was held back by team-mate Rudiger who clung on to the Ballon d’Or runner-up and ushered him down the tunnel to try and prevent him causing more trouble.That prompted a wave of comments from fans on social media.One said: “This is why Vinicius will never win a Ballon d’Or.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother wrote: “If not for Rudiger, Vinicius would have punched the referee. He behaves like that every game. People need to wake up, this guy is not a saint.”A third added: “A LaLiga referee has finally stood up to the disgusting and unprofessional Vinicius Jr actions and sent him off.” Watch Vinicius Jr ‘send Reece James back to England’ as Real Madrid star gives Chelsea defender nightmares in pre-seasonAnd a final user replied: “Vinicius dragged out of the pitch preventing him from potentially beating the referee to the ground.”The red card was only part of the drama at the Mestalla in what was Carlos Corberan’s first game in charge of Valencia.The former West Brom boss saw his new side take the lead on 27 minutes.Then after the break, Kylian Mbappe had an equaliser ruled out by VAR while Jude Bellingham hit the post with a penalty.The Englishman made amends, though.He teed up Luka Modric to tuck home an 85th-minute equaliser and then capitalised on a defensive mistake to slot in a dramatic injury-time winner to send Real top of LaLiga. The Real Madrid ace let his frustrations boil overCredit: ReutersDimitrievski collapsed to the floor after the flashpointCredit: GettyAntonio Rudiger had to hold his team-mate back and force him down the tunnelCredit: GettyJude Bellingham struck the post with his penaltyCredit: GettyBut the England man came up trumps with a winner in the 95th minuteCredit: ReutersThe dramatic goal sent Los Blancos top of the tableCredit: Getty More

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      ‘Trent’s gone then’ – Fans convinced Liverpool’s latest transfer deal proves Alexander-Arnold is leaving

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      LIVERPOOL’S first move of the transfer window has left fans convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave in January.The England star is wanted by Real Madrid and the Spanish giants have seen a £20million bid for him rejected.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being heavily linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: GettyLiverpool have recalled Calvin Ramsay, who plays for Scotland u21sCredit: Willie VassBut supporters reckon Liverpool are planning for his departure, having recalled youngster Calvin Ramsay from his loan at Wigan.The 21-year-old right-back signed a season-long loan deal at the Latics in the summer.But the Scot’s stay at the League One club has now been terminated after 12 appearances.Fans reckon it could have ended as he is ready to play back-up to Connor Bradley in the second half of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne said: “Trent’s replacement.”Another added: “This does not bode well.”A third wrote: “Trent’s gone then.”Despite fan concern, The Athletic report Ramsay is in line for another loan later this month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Alexander-Arnold could still leave his boyhood club as his contract is up at the end of the season.Real Madrid are supposedly ready to hand him a £100million contract via huge wages and a massive signing-on fee.Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubLiverpool face Manchester United on Sunday and Arne Slot was asked about his future, with the boss responding said: “I can tell you that he is playing on Sunday.“And hopefully he brings the same performance he has brought in for the last half year. Everyone has seen how a great a half of the season he has had.“I see him on the training ground every day, working his a**e off and is fully committed to us and he will play on Sunday – if they don’t tell me he is sick. But I don’t expect that.” More

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      Wholesome moment Jude Bellingham leaves a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness as he hands him his shirt

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM left a young Real Madrid fan crying with happiness after hugging him and handing him his training shirt in a heartwarming moment.The Spanish giants allow club members and their families to attend a live training session once every year at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano.Jude Bellingham went over to a young Real Madrid fan and hugged himCredit: X / realmadridHe then took his training shirt off and gave it to the boyCredit: X / realmadridThe youngster was in tears as Bellingham passed him the jerseyCredit: X / realmadridIt was a heartwarming moment praised by football fans on social mediaCredit: X / realmadridBellingham, 21, was one of the star attractions on show for fans who turned up to Los Blancos’ training base.And he took the time to go over to adoring young Real Madrid supporter.The awestruck youngster burst into tears at the mere sight of the England international.And Bellingham was quick to embrace the boy and talk to him, before he took off his training jersey and handed it to the child.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis led to the supporter being overcome with emotion as he clutched the jersey.Bellingham gave the fan one final hug before he smiled and walked off.The clip went viral on social media as people heaped praise on the midfielder for the touching moment.One said: “King Jude 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another added: “So sweet.”A third replied: “The kindest soul 🤍.”Fans hail ‘agent Jude Bellingham’ as England star is spotted with Real Madrid transfer target in nightclubAnd a fourth responded: “This is why football is called ‘The Beautiful Game’. Thanks Jude.”Bellingham has played 21 games for Real Madrid in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals and assisting six.Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit second in the LaLiga table, one point behind city rivals Atletico Madrid.But they are struggling far more in the Champions League, languishing in 20th with two matches remaining in the league phase.Next up for Real Madrid is a trip to Valencia in LaLiga on Friday. More

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      Why Liverpool are powerless to stop Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer if he wants to move

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      TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD to Real Madrid feels like a tale as old as time.The names and the methods of recruitment change but the siren song of the Bernabeu remains the same.Trent Alexander-Arnold is being heavily linked with a move away from AnfieldCredit: AlamyAnd it is as powerful as ever.From Laurie Cunningham — the first Englishman to play for the club in the professional era — to David Beckham, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, the lure of the famous white shirt has often proved irresistible to the biggest stars for almost 50 years.Some players have stayed out of the clutches of Real and their infamous president Florentino Perez.Steven Gerrard, Alexander-Arnold’s predecessor as Liverpool’s homegrown hero, revealed that Real wanted him to “start a war” to force his way out of Anfield in 2010.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGerrard didn’t.But others have found themselves at the mercy of forces beyond their control.Luis Figo did not really want to leave Barcelona in 2000 but the money and machinations of Perez made it happen.And when someone wants to join Real as much as they want to sign him — as the club’s media mouthpieces in Spain claim is the case with TAA — a deal feels all but inevitable.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhether Liverpool fans like it or not, Real Madrid Club de Futbol are one of the few sporting institutions to have a more glorious history and more glamorous present than the Anfield club.The 15 European Cups alone put Real out on their own as football’s most successful club.Roy Keane says ‘looked like he’d never played right-back’ in savage criticism of England star Trent Alexander-ArnoldAnd the financial clout which comes from being one of the most recognisable brands in the world enables them to meet the salary expectations of the best players in the world.Yet the attraction of Real goes beyond mere numbers.They have an aura, a magic that has rarely waned in the era when football has become a truly global game.At different times, Manchester United and Barcelona have been the go-to clubs for the creme de la creme.But with both enduring difficult times right now the Bernabeu is where players like Alexander-Arnold, 26, want to go.And as Mbappe proved, when you are a talent in demand, you can choose your own adventure. That was not the case when Cunningham left West Brom for Real in 1979.Even if the England winger had not wanted to leave, the offer of £950,000 was not one that the Baggies would have been prepared to turn down.Kylian Mbappe poses with Florentino PerezCredit: GettyLaurie Cunningham was the first Englishman to play for Real MadridCredit: PABack then the big Spanish and Italian clubs could pay transfer fees and, in particular, wages that were beyond the reach of most, if not all, English sides.The Bosman ruling of 1995 — which allowed players to leave clubs at the end of their contracts without a transfer fee being paid — altered the balance of power between clubs, players and agents.Steve McManaman was the first big Premier League star to take advantage of the freedom to sign a pre-contract agreement with a major foreign club when he agreed to join Real in 1999.McManaman signed the deal in January but declined to pose in a white shirt out of respect for Liverpool.But when necessary, Real — and Perez — have been prepared to force the issue.The club were Champions League holders when Perez went up against Lorenzo Sanz for the presidency in 2000.Launching an aggressive new recruitment policy — starting with the signing of Figo from bitter rivals Barcelona — was his campaign promise.So when Perez won a surprise victory, Figo found himself crossing Spanish football’s great divide for a world record fee of £52million rather than signing an improved deal at the Nou Camp.Luis Figo controversially quit Barcelona for the BernabeuCredit: EPASteve McManaman quit Anfield for Real MadridCredit: ReutersIt was the start of the Galactico era that gathered Zinedine Zidane, Beckham and other big names in a star-studded squad.Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate followed from the Premier League — they fell short of the sky-high expectations, as did the trophy haul and Perez left in 2006.But since his return in 2009, Real have got plenty of bang for their buck.Cristiano Ronaldo arrived that summer from Manchester United for £80m — another world-record fee at the time — and went on to become the greatest goalscorer in the club’s history by rattling in a sensational 451 goals in his 438 matches in all competitions.To keep Ronaldo sweet, the £86m Real paid Tottenham for Gareth Bale in 2013 was under-reported.But the overall message was clear… even as the Premier League’s financial power was growing and growing, Real could still get their man.Cristiano Ronaldo completed a seismic, world record £80m move from Man UtdCredit: AP:Associated PressGareth Bale left Tottenham for Madrid in 2013Credit: APLuka Modric and Eden Hazard are just two other examples of star players who left England for Real.The cash gap between LaLiga and the Premier League is why Perez continues to campaign for a European Super League.In the meantime, he and chief scout Juni Calafat are following a hybrid transfer policy.Real moved quickly to snap up young talent like Vinicius Jr, with a deal in place months before he turned 18 in 2018.Endrick was still only 16 when he signed an agreement to move to the Bernabeu last summer when he hit 18.Calafat also keeps an eye out for experienced, top-level players available for nothing — like Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba.And when big money needs to be spent on the hottest talent, Real spend it, as they did when laying down an initial £88.5m for Bellingham last year.Real forked out for Jude Bellingham 18 months agoCredit: GettyReal Madrid snapped up Vinicius Jr as a teenCredit: ReutersSignificantly, though, other clubs — including Liverpool — could have matched that fee and the young England star’s financial package. But Bellingham wanted Real.Last summer, one of the most tedious transfer sagas in football history ended when Mbappe finally joined Real.The France captain, 26, resisted Paris Saint-German’s attempts to offload him to Saudi Arabia and ran down his contract before moving to the Bernabeu with a signing-on fee of £128m to be paid over five years on top of his £13m annual salary.Again, a handful of other clubs might have been able to do a similar deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Mbappe was determined to put on that famous white shirt.If Alexander-Arnold is of the same mind, then there is little or nothing Liverpool can do to stop it happening.Alexander-Arnold may have already made up his mindCredit: Alamy More