Real Madrid will have a crucial summer transfer window ahead of them. Last year, they did not make any signings and instead raised funds to both keep themselves afloat during the pandemic and perhaps also to save for an eventual big splash in 2021. Notable names such as Achraf Hakimi and Sergio Reguilon had to leave, and more big names could be out the door this year.
Let’s take a look at five moves that are vital for Real Madrid to make this year in order to set themselves up for true Champions League title contention and dominance in the future.
Find a way to remove Gareth Bale’s salary
The funny thing is that as difficult as it is to sign a Galactico like Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid’s toughest task may be to offload Gareth Bale’s 30 million euro salary. They couldn’t find a transfer partner in 2019, and only his former club Tottenham would throw him a transfer lifeline in 2020 – and Real had to keep paying half his wages on a loan deal.
What makes removing Gareth Bale’s salary so important is that it may be necessary in order for Real Madrid to afford a Haaland or Mbappe. Having a player who makes 30 million euros per year, is disliked by the manager, and does not provide anywhere near sufficient productivity is a major issue.
Bale almost certainly won’t stay in Tottenham. Quite frankly, they would be beyond foolish to want to keep paying out at least 15 million euros to a player who can only score against Europa League sides and the absolute worst teams in the Premier League. So now the onus is on Real Madrid to work some magic. Maybe Major League soccer will save them.