Real Madrid’s midfield is worth more than €400 million

So far this summer, Real Madrid’s attack has thinned out, unlike in the engine room. Benzema, Asensio, Hazard and Mariano have left the door open only for Joselu and Brahim to arrive. In midfield, however, things are a lot different.

Added to the six choices at his disposal last year, Ancelotti has called on Jude Bellingham, the most expensive footballer in the world in his position (€120 million according to Transfermarkt) He is the icing on the cake to complete a package of more than €400 million in the middle of the pitch at the Bernabéu. With the ex-Birmingham man, Real Madrid possess four of the eight most valuable midfielders on the planet, with Modric, Kroos and Ceballos completing the list.

Real Madrid’s midfield is one for the present and future

Madrid have players of the present and a great future lies ahead for Bellingham (20 years old), Valverde (24), Camavinga (20) and Tchouameni (23): four footballers with an age average of 21.75 years and a joint value of €390 million. The Englishman is worth €120m, Valverde is valued at €100m (the same as Pedri), while the French duo share an €85m price tag each.

The players are the backbone of the current team and will continue to do so over the coming years. That is the idea of a Real Madrid that with the arrival of Bellingham has completed the puzzle of the generational change. Casemiro-Modric-Kroos started to step aside with the departure of the Brazilian to Manchester United last summer, but the beginning of the reconstruction started much earlier.

Real Madrid have spent wisely over the years

In 2016, once he matured after signing a year earlier, Valverde landed at Real Madrid for €5 million. His first steps were at Castilla, until he ended up settling in the first team after a loan at Deportivo. Although Zidane gave him his first try with the senior team, the definitive rise to become the second most valued midfielder on the planet has happened with Ancelotti.

As a false winger he shining at the beginning of last season and back in the engine room he finished a season tired after his efforts at the World Cup. Even so, with 12 goals and 7 assists, it was his best season as a professional.

The next step was taken in 2021, with Eduardo Camavinga. After dazzling at Rennes, he arrived in the summer in exchange for €31 million. The player quickly became key in the Champions League of comebacks in his rookie year, and the season after he made the left-back position his own. This season he aims to be his consolidate himself in the engine room, despite Ancelotti enjoying his performances in defence.

Madrid’s midfield is worth 427 million in total

If Camavinga took an important stride forward, that of Tchouaméni must be even more impressive. Casemiro’s departure gave him a vacancy in the middle of the pitch, and he accepted the challenge and fought naturally until the World Cup drained him of energy. Between his compatriot and Kroos being regularly used by Ancelotti as a pivot, the importance of the former Monaco player decreased until he became a secondary player in the deep role. Nevertheless, his performances have assured the club that in paying €80 million they have done the right thing. From inside the club there are no doubts, but he must show a less timid version in himself in his second year at Madrid.

The artwork of the Madrid midfield is completed by Jude Bellingham, identified as Modric’s natural heir. The Englishman will be able to learn from Luka, who together with Kroos and Ceballos boost the total value of the midfield to over €400 million. Breaking it down, that is €15 million from the German, the €12 million from Ceballos and €10 million from the ‘10′ mean the total sits at €427 million . Seven midfielders for four positions, ready to work together in the new system which Ancelotti has put together (4-3-1-2). A golden engine room.