Real Madrid is pinning their hopes on the arrival of 20-year-old England midfielder Jude Bellingham to reclaim the LaLiga title from Barcelona and mount a serious challenge for their 15th European Cup.

The Spanish giants made a significant investment of 103 million euros plus 30 million in add-ons to secure Bellingham's signature from Borussia Dortmund, making him the second-most expensive signing in the club's history.

Bellingham has quickly made an impact in the dressing room, impressing his coach and teammates with his performances during pre-season matches.

The departures of key attacking players, including Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and Spain international Marco Asensio, have left Real Madrid lacking firepower, with only journeyman forward Joselu signed from relegated Espanyol.

While rumors persist about a possible move for France striker Kylian Mbappe, who has expressed his intention not to extend his contract with Paris St Germain, for now, Real Madrid is without a top-level striker to replace Benzema.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is relying on the versatility of Bellingham, prompting him to change the system he used during his previous successful spells at Real Madrid, when they won the Champions League in 2014 and 2022.

Ancelotti has opted for a 4-4-2 formation in pre-season friendlies, deploying Bellingham as an attacking midfielder and fast-paced Brazilians Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo as centre forwards.

Bellingham's performances have earned widespread praise in the Spanish media, and his connection with Vinicius has excited Ancelotti.

"Bellingham is a complete midfielder and different from the others we have," the Italian told reporters during Real's pre-season trip to the U.S.

"He is a fantastic player. The team has to get used to his quality, which is extraordinary. His arrival in the box is very important for the team.

"He is very important for us because he has a lot of pace and intensity in his game. He moves very well without the ball, he goes into free space and adds another quality to this fantastic squad."

Real Madrid start their bid for a record-extending 36th Spanish title on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao.