Jude Bellingham could cost Real Madrid a staggering sum of money in the wake of their crushing Club World Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Real suffered a devastating 4-0 defeat to PSG in Wednesday's semi-final at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
It's the end of their Club World Cup campaign as they won't be involved in a third-place play-off match.
Fans online called out two players after their defeat as Xabi Alonso suffers the loss of his reign following his summer appointment.
Bellingham will be a key part of the Alonso era, having starred for Real since his £88.5 million switch from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.
But Bellingham is set to be sidelined for an extensive period as he plans to undergo surgery to fix a long-standing shoulder problem.
Jude Bellingham in action for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Image: Getty
Jude Bellingham in action for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. Image: Getty
Bellingham has struggled with a persistent shoulder issue since 2023 and has worn strapping on his shoulder when playing for his club and England.
He is set to go under the knife as Real have scheduled an operation for the player.
The 22-year-old could be ruled out until 2026 in what would be a huge blow to Alonso's plans for the new season.
If that's the case, then he would be out of action for around 24 weeks.
That means Real would pay Bellingham, who earns a reported £330,000-per-week, around £8 million without having him available.
But the figure could be between £4 million and £6 million if the Three Lions star is sidelined for three to four months, which has also been reported.
Jude Bellingham has played with strapping on his shoulder since sustaining an injury. Image: Getty
Jude Bellingham has played with strapping on his shoulder since sustaining an injury. Image: Getty
Speaking after Real's defeat to PSG, Alonso insists they leave the United States as a 'better' team.
"There’s a lot to analyse and learn. We now know where we are, and where to look, and where we want to be and prepare for it," he told AS.
"We can improve. There's a lot of margin. We've found some positives, we leave as a better team.
"This tournament has shown me what we are and what we can improve. This is the last game of the 24/25. Our season starts in August.
"This is not what we wanted but it is what it is. We have to accept it. There will be more losses on our way. It's football."