How Real Madrid could bring in $70 million from its academy
The club’s buyback strategy and sell-on clauses continue to pay off as several academy graduates attract major transfer interest.
Real Madrid initially projected that player sales and academy-related transfer business would generate around €60 million (approximately $70 million) this summer, but that total could climb significantly in the coming weeks.
The first major move appears to be imminent, with Víctor Muñoz expected to join Newcastle United after completing a transfer through Osasuna. He is unlikely to be the last academy product to leave. The club is also open to offers for first-team academy graduates Fran García, Gonzalo García, and Raúl Asencio. Madrid has reportedly placed a €60 million (about $70 million) asking price on Gonzalo, and if those deals materialize, the club’s total income from academy-related business could approach €100 million (roughly $116 million).
Sell-on clauses continue to pay off
In less than a year, Víctor Muñoz alone could generate €20 million (about $23 million) for Real Madrid. The club already received €5 million (approximately $5.8 million) when he joined Osasuna last summer and is now set to collect another €15 million (around $17 million) through the 50 percent sell-on clause it retained.
A similar situation unfolded this past winter with Álex Jiménez. After his initial move to AC Milan, his subsequent transfer to Bournemouth brought Real Madrid another financial windfall. Together, those transactions added nearly €15 million (roughly $17 million) to the club’s coffers.
It is a model Real Madrid has perfected in recent years. Rather than simply selling academy players, the club frequently includes buyback clauses and percentages of future transfer fees, allowing it to continue benefiting from players long after they leave Valdebebas.
That approach has become a cornerstone of both the club’s sporting and financial strategy, driven by academy director Manu Fernández and the deal-making expertise of general manager José Ángel Sánchez.
Valdebebas remains one of Madrid’s biggest assets
For several seasons, Real Madrid’s academy has essentially funded itself, and in recent years it has become an increasingly valuable source of revenue.
The 2025-26 campaign only strengthened that reputation. Young players received meaningful opportunities with the first team, a trend that began under Carlo Ancelotti and continued under Álvaro Arbeloa. Those appearances significantly increased the market value of La Fábrica graduates.
Several current Castilla players are already attracting interest. César Palacios is being monitored by Como and Osasuna, although neither club has submitted a formal offer. Manuel Ángel, Daniel Yáñez, and Víctor Valdepeñas are also drawing attention from multiple teams.
Real Madrid could also profit from players it no longer owns outright but still maintains financial interests in, including Sergio Arribas, Mario Gila, Chema Andrés, Antonio Blanco, who is expected to leave Alavés soon, Álvaro Rodríguez, and Rafael Obrador.
If several of those moves are completed, Madrid could enjoy one of its most profitable transfer windows in years, following an outstanding season for the club’s younger players.
One unique case is Thiago Pitarch. Currently with Spain’s Under-19 national team, he spent the season playing for the first team, Castilla, and the Under-19 squad. His long-term role within the club has yet to be determined, but Real Madrid views him as another highly valuable young asset.
A standout year for La Fábrica
Real Madrid’s academy enjoyed one of its strongest seasons in recent memory.
Castilla came within two games of earning promotion to Spain’s second division, while the Under-19 team captured both the league title and the Copa de Campeones before winning the club’s second UEFA Youth League championship.
As a result, clubs across Europe are once again looking closely at Valdebebas. Another summer of academy departures is expected, with homegrown talent providing a major source of transfer income. The increased exposure many young players received with the first team has only boosted their value, a development that has been especially well received by Madrid supporters.
Despite the expected departures, the club’s plan is to keep the core of Castilla intact next season. Many of the players who featured regularly this year were still eligible for the Under-19 team, yet they came within touching distance of promotion. Only a handful of new signings are expected, while several additional academy prospects are likely to move up into Castilla.
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