Real Madrid: 5 best bargain signings of the last decade

3. Federico Valverde

The Uruguayan maestro was signed in 2016 from the Uruguayan football club CA Penãrol for a transfer fee believed to be around €5 million. The 19-year-old player began working up the pecking order as a Real Madrid Castilla player with a loan spell at Deportivo La Coruña before being called up for the first team in 2018.

From 2018 to now, Valverde has been pivotal with his performances and helped by the mentorship from Kroos, Modric and Casemiro to a certain point. The midfielder is now a starter for the club. Not only is he a fan favourite, but the managers he has worked under have never doubted him whenever he has been picked to play. Valverde is a strong contender, a leader in the making and has sealed his position in the squad for years to come. His contract runs until 2027, and he has a €1 billion release clause which makes him a bargain given how he has transformed from 2016 to the present moment.

Valverde has won several domestic and European trophies since 2018 and is well on his path to become one of the most influential players for Real Madrid. The manager praises the player and is already a fan favourite with the consistency we see every season. The midfielder is an all-rounder who can play in various positions on the pitch and succeeds with flair when given the task.