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Spanish football expert Balague believes the prestige of Real Madrid is more attractive to players than the riches available at the likes of Man City and PSG
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While Europe's super clubs are spending hundreds of millions of pounds on new players each season, Real Madrid have proved savvy operators in the transfer market in recent years. Their major summer signing this year, Kylian Mbappe, was signed on a "free" transfer from Paris Saint-Germain (albeit with a £120m signing fee), while Jude Bellingham's £88. 5m arrival last summer is already being touted as a bargain. Factor in the fees paid for other stars – £39m for Rodrygo and £40m for Vinicius Jr – and Real Madrid's business seems impressive in the current market. Given Real Madrid’s track record, it seems highly likely that Mbappe’s free transfer (even with a huge signing bonus factored in) and the sum paid for Endrick (£55m) will come to be considered smart investments. The club’s considered approach to transfers has been crucial in keeping them at the summit of world football, despite paying off heavy debts, keeping onside of UEFA’s profitability rules and funding a £1. 5bn redevelopment of the Bernabeu, completed in September 2023. VIDEO How Liverpool Just Destroyed Man United “They’ve had to be very savvy in the market in recent years, ” Spanish football expert Guillem Balague explains. “They’ve kept clear of bidding wars and only gone after players they’re absolutely certain on. Gradually, they have brought their debts under control while making improvements to their squad and facilities. It’s impressive. ” Despite Forbes naming them the world’s richest football club in July – a 2023-24 revenue of £713m putting them top for the first time since 2017-18 – money is tight, as evidenced by President Florentino Perez’s persistent wrangling for the formation of a European Super League. “In terms of on-field success, marketing and merchandise, they’re ahead of rivals, ” Balague says. “But they’re competing with clubs backed by billionaires and entire states: the likes of Manchester City, PSG, even Newcastle. They’re unable to offer the type of fees others can. The European Super League is seen as a way to redress that balance. ” The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. So, how are Real Madrid still pipping those clubs to the likes of Mbappe, Endrick and Bellingham? “Prestige, ” Balague states, matter-of-factly. “We’ve seen again and again that when it comes to prestige, Real Madrid are ahead of everybody else. Mbappe, Endrick, Bellingham and other stars could have gone anywhere and could have earned more money elsewhere. However, the white shirt, the history, and the ambition of Real Madrid are things no other club can compete with. They’re still the biggest draw. ” Trent Alexander-Arnold turns down Liverpool contract offer amid Real Madrid interest: report Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr says Spain should be STRIPPED of World Cup 2030 hosting rights "Endrick's quality is unquestionable - Rodrygo may look to move away from Real Madrid. That's another question that might be answered soon. .. " Brazilian star reveals exclusively to Four Four Two the high hopes on Real Madrid's newest Galactico Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription Join now for unlimited access Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1 Ed is a staff writer at Four Four Two, working across the magazine and website. A German speaker, he’s been working as a football reporter in Berlin since 2015, predominantly covering the Bundesliga and Germany's national team. Favourite FFT features include an exclusive interview with Jude Bellingham following the youngster’s move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, a history of the Berlin Derby since the fall of the Wall and a celebration of Kevin Keegan’s playing career. ‘Dropping Mbappe isn’t an option… Bellingham might have to give way a bit and play in a role that he hasn’t been used to since he joined Real Madrid’ Michael Owen and Guillem Balague attempt to solve the Galacticos puzzle ‘Bellingham has developed that big-game energy, that swagger, that attitude at Real Madrid and belongs with the best players in the world – he’s incredible’ Former Ballon d'Or winner talks Jude Line-up quiz! Can you name the Newcastle line-up from their 2017 win over Wolves? Four Four Two is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site. ©
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