Real Madrid: From top spenders to bargain nimrods

Real Madrid spent over £1billion in the transfer window over the last decade, however, all that seems to be in the past as the club heads for another quite summer. 

The last time that the Madrid club spent on a signing was in 2019 summer time. They went on a £319million spending spree, bringing in Eden Hazard and a couple of other players. 

So far this summer, they have only managed to bring in free signing David Alaba. It doesn’t appear as though any major signing will come in, except if there is a bargain deal somewhere.

Another major arrival was that of new manager Carlo Ancelotti. That seemed to generate more buzz than any other activity the club has done in the transfer window so far. 

The Champions League winning manager is perhaps the best bet for the club at this time. One who would not create drama if he is not handed the best tools to succeed. 

Meanwhile, the exit of iconic club captain Sergio Ramos looked increasingly inevitable before it was finally announced last month, bringing 16 trophy-laden seasons to an end.

The other major news involved the club letting legendary defender, Sergio Ramos, go. The long battle finally came to an end, but the club prepared well for it by acquiring the services of vastly experienced David Alaba. 

The budget went towards David Alaba’s contract, as he is set to earn £400, 000 weekly. 

Speaking about wages. The only way for the club to have some reasonable money to spend in the transfer window will involve shedding their wage bill. 

Carlo Ancelotti isn’t blind to this reality. He said: “We have a very big squad. The first thing we have to do is evaluate the players we have and reduce it a bit.

“I know the squad very well, the young players too, and those coming back from loans. We have many options in the squad, so we need to calmly evaluate everything.”

The authorities in Spain have set a financial cap for each club in the league and it must not be exceeded. It includes both the transfer fees and wages. 

For Real Madrid, they are expected to be set at around £255million for the new season. A drop from £553million in 2019/20.

It is no news that Real Madrid have their sights on French star, Kylian Mbappe. However, they may have to settle for loan returns this summer. Players like Gareth Bale, Dani Ceballos, Martin Odegaard, and Luka Jovic will all return to the club. 

Gareth Bale eventually got going at Spurs last season after a poor start, and while Martin Odegaard seemed to impress Arsenal fans, Dani Ceballos largely divided opinions. Luka Jovic has failed to replicate his Frankfurt form at the Bernabeu.

Whatever will happen at the club this summer, the fans will have to accept the new reality at the club. The pandemic had a huge effect on the finances of football clubs in Europe.