So most of the players bought cheaply were before they had a real breakout or were on expiring contracts.
Madrid gets first pick of South American talent, and most other talent as well, by virtue of their history. When two teams are in for a player, and one is Madrid, Madrid wins 90% of the time, they don’t really have to convince players of their project. The young Brazilians were all bought early, and with no small risk, yes, but no one was going to beat Madrid if it turned into a player decision. Similarly Jude and Tchoumeni had a few suitors but chose Madrid. If they don’t pan out, Madrid can buy their way out; they also have almost no risk of being out of Europe because they’ve maintained a good spine, and can have a relatively “down” year in the league where they develop talent and it not effect their finances or brand because there aren’t 6-8 teams in Spain that consistently get to that level, only 3-4.
Plus England has work-permit requirements that were historically tougher. Outside of Barca, Atletico, Bayern, PSG, and Juve (arguably), no one outside of England has the money.
So most of the players bought cheaply were before they had a real breakout or were on expiring contracts.
Madrid gets first pick of South American talent, and most other talent as well, by virtue of their history. When two teams are in for a player, and one is Madrid, Madrid wins 90% of the time, they don’t really have to convince players of their project. The young Brazilians were all bought early, and with no small risk, yes, but no one was going to beat Madrid if it turned into a player decision. Similarly Jude and Tchoumeni had a few suitors but chose Madrid. If they don’t pan out, Madrid can buy their way out; they also have almost no risk of being out of Europe because they’ve maintained a good spine, and can have a relatively “down” year in the league where they develop talent and it not effect their finances or brand because there aren’t 6-8 teams in Spain that consistently get to that level, only 3-4.
Plus England has work-permit requirements that were historically tougher. Outside of Barca, Atletico, Bayern, PSG, and Juve (arguably), no one outside of England has the money.