Real Madrid might have the best free-agent signing of the last 7 years even before Kylian Mbappe arrives

Real Madrid continued their winning run in LaLiga with a win over Sevilla on the weekend. The win has more figurative value given that Real Madrid has now opened up a considerable four-point gap at the top of the table over cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad who are tied at 29 points from 14 games. Los Blancos, on the other hand, sit comfortably at 33 points from 14 matches.

Real Madrid’s transfer activity was very restricted this summer in terms of new purchases, the club just settled for two new faces. First, a free transfer saw David Alaba make his move from the German giants Bayern Munich to the Spanish Capital. Second, was a deadline day transfer to bring home a sought-after target in midfield, the young Frenchman, Eduardo Camavinga.

Though the activity was limited, it was of supreme quality. Both newcomers have settled in well at the club, while one has become an absolute rock in the defense and a first-choice starter, the second is helping out immense in rotation and providing the older veterans some much-needed rest.

As such, considering the transfer activity over the last few years, I am compelled to make this argument that David Alaba has been the best free-agent signing in World Football since Robert Lewandowski’s dream move to Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund. David Alaba is the best free-agent signing of the last seven years, and here are my reasons why.

David Alaba’s former Bayern teammate was the last blockbuster free transfer

When we talk about the recent free-agent signings, there hardly is a name that can eclipse the effect that Robert Lewandowski’s transfer to Bayern Munich has had over the world of football. He undoubtedly bags the crown here. However, my claims are that since his transfer in 2014, there has been no other signing better than David Alaba’s and he deserves to bag the second spot.

There is Edinson Cavani to Manchester United. And, the Uruguayan has worked his charm in the theatre of dreams, he has got his goals and was instrumental in their Europa League campaign last season. But truth be told, his transfer doesn’t even come close to the profile of Alaba’s move. At 29 years of age, Alaba has a definitive advantage over him.

Thiago Silva to Chelsea is also a move that drains down due to the Brazilian’s age factor. He has been instrumental for the Blues otherwise. Not to forget, he was a part of the Champions League-winning team last season. The last transfer that I would like to consider in the discussion is Leon Goretzka to Bayern. He joined the Bavarians in 2018/19 and has been a key player for them, winning titles and gaining fame in the way.

Not to forget, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move to PSG is one of immense potential but at a moment when they already have someone as reliable as Keylor Navas, I don’t know how much sense that would make to people. It’s subjective, to say the least.

Now comes, David Alaba. In my opinion, David Alaba is a clear winner to bag the crown for being the best free-agent signing in the last seven years. No other transfer comes close to his profile and needless to say he has totally justified it so far in the season, as I argued earlier.

The figurative advantage of replacing someone as crucial as Sergio Ramos is another added advantage for Alaba to make his case. His skillset has already been one of THE things to look forward to in every game Real Madrid has played thus far. And, he edges past Leon Goretzka in terms of how much he adds on the pitch. He’s very versatile can play at different positions on the field and has been all over the pitch for Real Madrid so far. In quick time he is one of the club MVPs and deserves to be called the best free-agent signing since Lewa’s signing in 2014.

My colleague Sai, recently ranked Alaba as the fourth most valuable club asset at 65 million euros. And that makes for the perfect closing argument, he is also adding to the club’s finances whilst doing his best and more for the club. Alaba is a gem and the least that can be said here is that Los Blancos are very, very lucky to have got him for free.

The only way I see him being dethroned is if Kylian Mbappe, Real’s priority for the upcoming transfer windows, signs for free in the next summer window instead of joining the club in January for a transfer fee. At this point in time, there simply cannot be a better free-agent signing than Kylian Mbappe.

With a free transfer on the cards, the Frenchman could be the one to challenge Alaba for the crown or even Lewandowski. But, Madridistas would hope that Mbappe joins the white army as soon as possible with January being the best shot as far as time is concerned. Talk about Money? Nothing would be better than a free transfer next summer.