Real Madrid fans have become accustomed to Galactico signings under Florentino Pérez’s two terms. However, the past summer transfer window and the current one show a complete change in how the club signs players.
The 2015 summer window saw four official transfers, Kiko Casilla, Mateo Kovačić, Danilo, and Lucas Vázquez in the form of a buyback clause. Casemiro and Denis Cheryshev simply returned from their loan deals.
While some of the players mentioned have become important for the team, the signings were underwhelming compared to previous seasons. None of those men would qualify as a Galactico signing, despite their great abilities.
The 2014 summer was the last to have major signings, with Toni Kroos‘ 25 million bargain price and James Rodríguez 80 million price tag.
These transfers placed Real as one of the strongest buyers that year. Something that’s no longer a need for Florentino Pérez, leaving that instead for other top clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, FC Barcelona and others.
In the current summer, we’ve only seen three movements, Coentrão and Marco Asensio returning from loan, and Álvaro Morata coming back for a 30 million buyback clause. Again, none of them would qualify as transfer market shocker.
Nevertheless, considering the Undécima win, the lack of big signings à la Pogba isn’t necessarily negative. Instead, the club is trusting the loan option and Castilla signings.
Jesús Vallejo, Marco Asensio, Federico Valverde, Sergio Díaz, and Martin Ødegaard would be considered Galacticos in the under-20 world. Some are moving out on loan to grow and some are staying with the Castilla to test their worth.
Sorting out the best young talent and providing them with playtime in a competitive team is working wonders for Real. Lucas Vázquez, Casemiro, and most noticeably Carvajal all grew during their loan deals and came back stronger.
Coentrão, Morata, and Asensio are all returning this summer and they have what it takes to prove that no high profile transfers are needed to make a difference.
For now, this philosophy change is working, but only time will tell if its extended use was the way to go.
