Dortmund chief says Jude Bellingham cost Real Madrid 'a lot more' than €103m as England star prepares to face former club in Champions League final

Bellingham, who was sold to Real Madrid for a reported €103 million (£89m/$112m), has been instrumental in Real Madrid's successful season. However, Watzke clarified that the actual sum agreed upon was quite "a lot more" than the initially reported figure.

In an interview with AS, Watzke replied: "I always advised Jude that, if he was convinced that he wanted to go to another club, he should consider going to Real Madrid. And he listened to me. In the end, it is the biggest club in the world. It's been many years and I know them all. Florentino is the boss, but there is also José Angel Sanchez, with whom I have a friendship. Just to name an example."

Addressing whether the huge transfer fee serves as a consolation for seeing Bellingham's success at the Santiago Bernabeu, Watzke was candid. "If it had been only €103 million, we would have negotiated badly," he stated, highlighting the club's negotiation prowess.

"But no, it is no consolation because players like Jude or Erling not only left a football mark in Dortmund. They are two kids that we really appreciate here. There is no money to compensate for it. Of course, since you have to let them go, let it be for the largest amount possible."

Following Bellingham's transfer, Dortmund had allegedly submitted a report to the stock exchange where they mentioned that the total fee including add-ons could reach more than $139 million (€128.51/£109.30m). Watzke might have hinted at the €128.51 figure while asserting that the fee was much more than the claimed €103m.

The upcoming Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund adds an intriguing layer to Bellingham's transfer saga. The match at Wembley Stadium will not only be a contest for European glory but also a symbolic reunion for Bellingham against his former club. As he looks to complete a remarkable double of European and domestic titles in his debut season with Real Madrid, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on the young Englishman. If he manages to put in an impressive display against his former employers then it will also significantly boost his Ballon d'Or aspirations.