Real Madrid’s 2021 transfer window performance reviewed

Real Madrid made their first paid signing in 3 transfer windows by signing Eduardo Camavinga on the final day of the transfer window. The teenage sensation was signed by Los Blancos for a fee that could rise up to €40 million including add-ons. 

Earlier in the window, the club confirmed the arrival of David Alaba on a free transfer, and the Austrian has already made his first appearances for his new club. Apart from these two players, Madrid have not completed any other first team arrivals. 

In terms of departures, the most notable has to be that of Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos. The former skipper left on a free transfer after his contract with Madrid expired, and he is now a part of the PSG squad. Varane, on the other hand, decided to move on from the Spanish capital and join Manchester United. 

Martin Odegaard has been sold to Arsenal after spending the latter half of the 20/21 season at the Emirates, and he decided to make the switch in favour of more playing time. Madrid have also loaned out the trio of Takefusa Kubo, Brahim Diaz and Alvaro Odriozola. 

Returning loanees Gareth Bale, Luka Jovic and Jesus Vallejo are expected to be a part of the team this season. Bale has already made his first contributions on the pitch for Carlo Ancelotti, and it seems that the Welshman could be a big part of the plans going forward. 

However, Madrid were also in pursuit of Kylian Mbappe this summer and had three bids worth €160 million, €180 million and €220 million rejected. Since Mbappe’s contract is expiring next year, and he dreams of playing at the Bernabeu, the club could sign him as a free agent in a year’s time. 

Regardless of missed opportunities in the window, Madrid have a decent squad at their disposal and have strengthened their options with the arrival of David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga in the long run. While their market performance might not have been as active as their rivals, they have a fair chance at all titles this term. 

The key point to note, though, will be the absence of their starting centre-backs from last year. Replacing world-class defenders in Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos will be a daunting task for Carlo Ancelotti, and it is one he must find a solution for if he hopes to take Madrid towards more silverware this term.