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For almost 65 years now, Real Madrid has been the most sought after destination for many football players around the world. The main reason for their fame and market value has been their policy to bring in outstanding players from other parts of Europe to the Spanish capital on a consistent basis.
Since the change in philosophy by Alfredo Stefano in 1955, numerous players have arrived at the Spanish capital and have attained 'Galactico' status due to their captivating performances at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After becoming the president of Real Madrid in 2000, Florentino Perez promised to bring one world-class player every year to Madrid. He immediately signed Luis Figo from Barcelona in a move that shook the fan base of Real Madrid’s eternal rivals.
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In the next four years, he bought Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, David Beckham and Michael Owen. His tendency to spend big initially worked very well but not all recruits lived up to expectations and hence, Perez was forced to resign from his post. Real Madrid’s transfer policy changed for the next three seasons until Perez became president again in 2009.
He stuck to his methods and brought in Kaka and Ronaldo, two of the world’s best players at that moment, to Real Madrid. But instead of spending every season, he has slightly altered his strategy over the past decade and targets one summer transfer window in about five years to revamp the team.
After a dramatic dip in form last season, Real Madrid have arguably been the most active team in this transfer window. On that note, we look at Real Madrid’s top three summer transfer windows.
#3 2014
Key players signed: Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Keylor Navas
Considering their La Decima triumph and the signing of Gareth Bale in 2013, many expected Real Madrid to maintain a low profile in the following transfer window. Perez however, had other ideas as he decided to cash-in on some breakthrough talents of the 2014 World Cup.
Toni Kroos (signed in the 2014 window) along with Mesut Ozil formed a very destructive attacking midfield pairing for the world champions Germany. In the next five years, Kroos formed a dynamic partnership with Luka Modric and went on to win three consecutive Champions League titles.
On the other hand, James Rodriguez has not lived up to the humongous hype that followed him after his glorious World Cup campaign. Though his loan deal to Bayern Munich has expired, Real Madrid might sell him this summer.
Keylor Navas has been one of the most underappreciated goalkeepers in the world and his stellar performances in the knockout stages of the Champions League will be fondly remembered.
#2 2019
Key players signed: Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy
The 2018/19 campaign would go down as one of Real Madrid’s worst seasons in recent years. The disappointments of last term called for a major overhaul, and who better than Florentino Perez to respond?
They finally have a game-changer in Eden Hazard, who is capable of filling the large void left by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Luka Jovic has been one of the promising strikers in Europe for the past two seasons and it will be interesting to see his role in the Madrid line-up, since Benzema has been the preferred option until now.
Ferland Mendy is a terrific left-back, capable of opening up defenses with his sizzling runs and trickery. Given the brand of football played by the Madrid full backs in Marcelo and Carvajal, Mendy is widely regarded as the perfect replacement for the former.
Besides, Real Madrid have bought Eder Militao, who showed a lot of steel in his fabulous performance as a center back for Brazil in the recently concluded Copa America. However, he could be warming the benches until Sergio Ramos decides to bid goodbye.
#1 2009
Key players signed: Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso
Even with a team loaded with legends, Real Madrid failed to win the LaLiga and were defeated by Arsenal in the Champions League in the 2008/09 season.
Barcelona won their first treble and the pressure was on Real Madrid to match their rivals. For a then world-record signing, Cristiano Ronaldo moved from Manchester United to Real Madrid, and the rest as they say, is history.
In nine seasons at Bernabeu, he scored 450 goals for Real Madrid in 438 appearances and registered 131 assists, along with a major chunk of silverware.
Kaka’s legacy shone brightly but was hindered by injuries, which also led to his departure from Real Madrid after a four-year tenure.
Karim Benzema was the only shining star in an otherwise forgettable 2018/19 season, and he has already cemented his place among the great strikers in the club’s history. Xabi Alonso was another remarkable addition, as his immaculate skills and the rare ability to run the game all by himself helped Real Madrid in multiplying their trophies.
