Real Madrid resorted to a little scam in the transfer of Jude Bellingham from Dortmund.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is also one of England’s headliners, following a very impressive World Cup in Qatar. However, he is seeking dual citizenship.
Following Brexit, where UK citizens lost the right to work and live in the European Union without a visa, Bellingham counts towards the quota of non-EU players allowed in La Liga. Spanish teams are allowed to have five players in their squad, but can only select three non-EU players in their field squad.
The 20-year-old midfielder will seek to remedy this situation by applying for an Irish passport, according to brand. Madrid outlet reports that Bellingham’s paternal grandmother is Irish, so he qualifies for a passport, and could have played for Ireland if he had wanted to.
This will free up a non-EU spot for Real Madrid in the future, should they look to sign other players who don’t have EU citizenship. Currently, he is the only player to occupy these places, with Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao having obtained Spanish citizenship.