5 transfer deals that have taken place between Barcelona and Real Madrid

Ever since the very first meeting between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the rivalry is branded as 'El Clasico' and has been going strong for more than a century. With very similar statistics and a tremendous display of passion that is displayed by both the teams have attracted as many supporters as any other sport can never even imagine of having. Although the two teams have had their share of controversies and restrictions have been placed accordingly, none can deny that it is the greatest game on the planet; where records are broken and top quality football is always depicted.

Since the inception of this fierce rivalry, the two clubs, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, have shown very similar traits in the number of wins that they have had, with Madrid leading with 95 victories, Barcelona comes in with 92. This testifies that there can never be an equilibrium between the two teams.

However, the two clubs have given us some of the most unbelievable football players in every single generation. From the likes of Raul, the Spaniard, to Ronaldinho, the two teams have always made sure that the fans are entertained. Of course, we must never forget the famous Messi and Ronaldo rivalry, a product of this particular rivalry, that we as football fans are lucky enough to witness.

Albeit, the rivalry between the club is so intense, that there have rarely been any direct transfers between the two clubs. Only a handful deals made, and some deals made after contract expiry, a footballer from Barcelona heading to Real Madrid is considered by the supporters as a 'sin'. But given the fact that some of these players have dared and crossed the line by switching to the fellow rivals is something we need to notice. Here are our 5 picks for the transfer deals that were made directly between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

#5 Javier Saviola - Barcelona to Real Madrid

Saviola joined Real Madrid after a brief term with Barcelona

A retired professional footballer, Saviola was known for his ability to score from any attacking position. Such was the resilience of the former Argentine International, that he was named in Pele's 100 greatest living football players, and was the youngest inclusion in the list. A versatile forward and an agile playmaker, he was well known for his tenure with Barcelona and made sure that he delivered as a world-class player.

After multiple loan spells, the Argentine International finally joined Real Madrid from Barcelona in 2007 on a three-year deal, but due to some issues in his contracts, he was restricted to play some of the most important matches for Real, ending his term with only 17 total appearances.

#4 Michael Laudrup - Barcelona to Real Madrid

Laudrup moved to Real Madrid from Barcelona in 1994

Regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders of his generation, the former Danish International was known for his creativity upfront, making the most vital decisions when his team wasn't able to. He was best known for his time with Barcelona where he gained the world-class recognition that he truly lacked.

However, in 1994, Laudrup completed an extremely controversial move to Real Madrid, after it was revealed that he was not on the same page with then Barcelona manager Johan Cruyff. After a retirement, though, he mentioned that 'the move was absolutely regretful'.

#3 Bernd Schuster - Barcelona to Real Madrid

Former West German International played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid

He was one of the most important players for Barcelona in the 1980s, winning multiple accolades and delivering as a football player in every mean possible. A tactician indeed, Schuster was an extremely versatile playmaker, without whom the team would surely be incomplete. With over 40 appearances for West Germany, Bernd Schuster was a player that the Barcelona fans will remember not just for his contribution to the club, but also because of the controversial transfer move made to Real Madrid in 1988.

With almost 70 appearances, Schuster's term in Madrid was short-lived but was something he could brag about. He later managed Real Madrid from 2007-2008.

#2 Luis Enrique - Real Madrid to Barcelona

Enrique played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona

The treble-winning former manager of Barcelona has had a brief period with both Madrid as well as Barcelona, with over 200 appearances for each club. He was one of the only few players that were loved by both the clubs, and he still is appreciated at the Bernabeu. An extremely skilled midfielder, Enrique was feared by every single personnel on the pitch (Even the manager) as his versatility and ability as a box to box midfielder was unparalleled.

Though some Madrid fans still hated the way he left behind Santiago Bernabeu and joined Barcelona, he still is respected as a footballer.

#1 Luis Figo - Barcelona to Real Madrid

Figo was heavily criticized for his switch between Real Madrid and Barcelona

After spending a brief period with Barcelona, Figo moved to Real Madrid, for a then-record transfer of €62 million, making him the most expensive footballer in the world. The move was ignited after much speculation, and he heavily criticiszed by the Barcelona supports to the extent that flares, oranges, plastic bottles, and even stones were thrown at the appearance of the former Portuguese International in any El Clasico match. His direct move to Madrid sparked a lot of controversies other than the ones mentioned above, as it was something that the Barcelona fans considered as being 'unnatural'.