Incredible figures show how Real Madrid became the kings of the transfer market

Real Madrid have built the most highly-valued roster in world soccer without spending extortionate amounts of money on transfer fees, data from Transfermarkt and the CIES Football Observatory shows.

How much is Real Madrid’s roster worth? How much did it cost?

According to the former, Los Blancos’ current squad is worth €1.34 billion ($1.48 billion), ahead of Manchester City’s (€1.26 billion / $1.39 billion) and Arsenal’s (€1.17 billion / $1.29 billion).

Per the latter, however, Madrid’s roster was far from being the most expensive to assemble. Chelsea have spent €1.263 billion ($1.39 billion) on their current crop of players, followed by Manchester United (€1.038 billion / $1.15 billion), City (€1.017 billion / $1.12 billion), Arsenal (€798 million / $881.09 million), Tottenham Hotspur (€787 million / $868.94 million) and PSG (€772 million / $852.38 million).

The LaLiga giants are all the way down the list in eighth place, having spent €720 million ($794.97 million) on their present-day roster. A figure which is €620 million ($684.55 million) less than what they are now worth. The squad’s valuation has almost doubled since each player moved to the Spanish capital.

How much have clubs spent on their squads? Chelsea, United, City, Real Madrid...

Source: CIES

Things have gone rather well on the field too, of course. After lifting the UEFA Super Cup, the players on the roster have won a combined total of 240 trophies while wearing the famous white jersey. Another six are at stake this season.

Mbappé and Endrick signings epitomise Real Madrid transfer policy

This summer’s arrivals, Kylian Mbappé and Endrick, epitomise Real Madrid’s recent transfer policy and success.

It’s no secret Los Blancos chased the signature of the France captain for a number of years. In 2021, they made a €200 million ($220.82 million) bid for the attacker, which was rejected. The following summer, it looked as if Mbappé would move to Spain on a free transfer, only for him to change his mind at the last minute and sign a contract extension in Paris.

Undeterred, Madrid bided their time, even in the aftermath of Karim Benzema’s departure in the summer of 2023 and their decision not to replace him with Harry Kane, who would have arrived after his 30th birthday.

Mbappé has eventually arrived - for free - three years after he might have done. Los Merengues have saved themselves those €200 million ($220.82 million) and fared rather well in that time without him. The growth of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and Fede Valverde, as well as the signing of Jude Bellingham, helped the club win two LaLiga titles and two Champions Leagues, among other trophies, in three seasons.

Endrick has also been one of Real Madrid’s long-term projects. Identified as a potential future superstar by Juni Calafat and his scouting team, the Spaniards paid €35 million ($38.63 million), with €25 million ($27.6 million) in add-ons, to acquire the forward from Palmeiras when he was just 16.

Mbappé, Vinícius, Bellingham and Rodrygo combined valuation

The hope is Endrick will follow in the footsteps of compatriots of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo. The former was signed as a teenager for €45 million ($49.67 million) and is now valued at €180 million ($198.6 million), along with teammates Mbappé and Bellingham, as well as City’s Erling Haaland.

The latter, meanwhile, was brought in for €40 million ($44.15 million) and currently worth €110 million ($121.42 million).

Madrid paid €103 million ($113.69 million) to recruit Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, which means their attacking quartet cost €188 million ($207.51 million) but are now valued at €650 million ($717.47 million).

Real Madrid’s investment in the future

Looking around the rest of the roster, the pattern is the same. In terms of numbers, Fede Valverde is the biggest success story. Madrid paid Peñarol €5 million ($5.52 million) for the Uruguayan, now worth €120 million ($132.46 million).

Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga, both valued at €100 million ($110.38 million), cost €80 million ($88.3 million) and €30 million ($33.11 million) respectively.

Similarly, Eder Militão (€50 million / $55.19 million to €60 million / $66.23 million), Arda Güler (€20 million / $22.08 million to €45 million / $49.67 million) and Brahim Díaz (€15 million / $16.56 million to €40 million / $44.15 million). Even Endrick, having only just joined the club, is already valued at €60 million ($66.23 million) having been signed for an initial €35 million ($38.63 million).

Of all the players mentioned, Valverde and Militão are the oldest at 26. Real Madrid have invested heavily in the future, without investing heavily, relatively speaking, in terms of financial outlay.

Real Madrid back out of bidding war for Leny Yoro

Los Blancos’ signing policy is also clear to see when it comes to players they didn’t end up recruiting. This summer, young Lens defender Leny Yoro was pinpointed as the “next Raphaël Varane” and a potential replacement in the squad for the departed Nacho.

However, Manchester United’s interest meant a bidding war would have started at €70 million ($77.27 million) so Madrid decided to back off and show patience once again.

Signing a centre-back is necessary, but it has to be the right one, for the right price. A new target will be identified, perhaps even one in the ilk of David Alaba or Antonio Rüdiger, experienced defenders who didn’t cost a cent in transfer fees. Yet more examples of how Real Madrid have become kings of the market.