La Liga 2019-20: 5 contenders for signing of the season

#4 Ferland Mendy (Olympique Lyon to Real Madrid, €48.00m)

The Frenchman has given Real Madrid's defence a much-needed lift.

Ferland Mendy arrived at the Bernabeu for close to €50 million ahead of the 2019-20 La Liga season, part of a significant recruitment drive that saw the likes of Rodrygo, Luka Jovic, and Eden Hazard make the same move. However, fans and experts alike felt that the French left-back would be surplus to requirements, with Marcelo still viewed as a valuable asset and Sergio Reguillon having made rapid strides in his role as the Brazilian’s deputy.

While it might have taken an injury to Marcelo for Mendy to get a look-in, the Frenchman is now an undisputed starter for Los Blancos, with his pace, tackling ability, and positional awareness having transformed Madrid into a very solid defensive unit. While Real Madrid fans have become used to moments of brilliance in attack from Marcelo over the years, Mendy brings something totally different to the table than what the flamboyant Brazilian has to offer.

Manager Zinedine Zidane has realised the need to prioritise defence over attack, which has seen Mendy get more game time along with Federico Valverde in midfield as the season has progressed. The young Frenchman has even shown signs of a budding partnership with Hazard down Real’s left flank, which might prove to be quite fruitful for Los Blancos if both players manage to keep themselves fit.

While Marcelo’s unique skill set will still see him get game time when he is fit, the 24-year-old Mendy affords Madrid the defensive superiority that is surely the path to success in the future.