Real Madrid’s £294 million pound spending spree in the summer could be coming back to haunt them, with reports suggesting that Los Blancos need to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play rules. Zinedine Zidane’s team could be set for a major clear out in January.
Real Madrid Need to Raise £84 Million in the January Transfer Window
Aaron Flanagan of the Mirror reports that Real Madrid needs to raise €100 million (£84 million) in the January transfer window to comply with FFP rules. Madrid spent in excess of €300 million euros on rebuilding their squad following their disastrous 2018/19 season.
Real Madrid’s desperation to balance their books could see several stars depart the Bernabeu in January. President Florentino Perez will be desperate to comply having been in trouble with UEFA in the past. Their summer spending spree has seen Real Madrid in the red in terms of their finances. Flanagan notes the club owe €200 million (£168 million) meaning players sales are a necessity in January.
They did make €150 million (£126 million) during the summer with the sales of Marcos Llorente, Theo Hernandez, Keylor Navas, Raul de Tomas and Mateo Kovacic. However, according to Marca, they still need to raise well in excess of €100 million.
Who Could Depart in January?
Real Madrid’s need to comply with Financial Fair Play could see several first-teamers depart Los Blancos in January.
Gareth Bale could be very high on the list, with the latest report being that he could be involved in a swap deal with Manchester United, according to Darren Plant of Sportsmole (via El Desmarque). The Welshman is enduring a turbulent time in Madrid following off-field spats with Zinedine Zidane and his controversial moment after Wales qualified for Euro 2020. Relations between Bale and Real Madrid are fractious and certainly, he could well depart. Madrid’s issues could have been sorted had the Welshman’s move to the Chinese Super League not collapsed.
James Rodriguez could also be on the move. Kishan Vaghela of Mail Online says that he could join Bale in the same swap deal. The Colombian has struggled in Madrid and, although he has featured this season, a move away could suit both parties.
Real Madrid expect to be busy in January with player sales rather than boosting their title-winning credentials. The pressure will increase on the club should they fail to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
Main Photo
