Real Madrid will sign the best possible bargain transfer in history, as Kylian Mbappe has reportedly already agreed to a deal with Los Blancos since Jan. 30. And Real could still sign another superstar at a bargain price. Despite fears Manchester City are now in the lead, Real are very much still in the race for Erling Haaland, who has a release clause of just 75 million euros.
It is too easy to call those two players – or anyone who is, like Mbappe, a free transfer this summer – bargain targets.
So instead, let’s look at a handful of up-and-coming players who could be purchased this summer at a reasonable fee. These are players valued 25 million euros or less by Transfermarkt who have the potential to be quality starters for the Merengue club in the future.
RB Leipzig RB Nordi Mukiele
Real Madrid could be in the market for a right back in the summer transfer window, as that seems to be their biggest position of need. Nordi Mukiele appears to be willing to leave RB Leipzig for a new challenge, and while he may favor the Premier League, it is hard to see the 24-year-old turning down Los Blancos if they are interested.
Because of Mukiele’s contract situation, he could be a very cheap addition to a position where it is difficult to find talent. Mukiele is a quality starter who played at a high level for Leipzig in the previous three seasons. He has not looked quite as good this season, but that may be due to coaching issues at the beginning of the campaign and the uncertainty of his contract.
Mukiele is a buy-low target at right back who can prove to be worth more than what Madrid paid. He also seems like someone who might be willing to take a role with Madrid that would not guarantee him starts over Dani Carvajal.