Top 10 bargain summer transfers, and how they can help Madrid

Since Mourinho’s introduction as manager, Madrid have slowed down their transfer outlay. Although there are still big purchases (Coentrao, di Maria) Mourinho is always on the hunt for a good bargain. Last summer saw bargain purchases such as Callejon, Sahin, and Altintop. Although there were mixed results with performances, not one of these players has decreased in value since their arrival.

Callejon contributed significantly throughout the season with vital goals, a willingness to run, and the great Real Madrid spirit. Worth every cent.

Sahin was signed as the best player of the Bundesliga for 10M euros. Unfortunately he spent most of the season on the trainer’s table, so the many exciting midfield options he would have created were not a reality. But he is being linked away from the club for a mooted fee much higher than the 10M euros he was signed for.

And Altintop came on a free, offered nothing, and left for 2.5 m euros. Good business.

So here are the Top 10 bargain options that Mourinho should consider to improve Madrid this summer.

1. Isco

Hugely talented player on Malaga. Has skill, pace, goals, all in abundance. Voted the most talented player of his generation by fellow Spanish players. Loves to dribble around defenses for fun. Very young at 20 years old. Spanish. Great potential. Malaga are in serious financial woe, and would take 5-7M euros for the player…with Kaka’s exit a very real possibility. Isco is a great option to become the back-up to Ozil.

2. Rossi

Relegated with Villarreal, who are now desperate for salary relief. And after suffering back-to-back ACL tears, he will never be available for less. Available for at most 10M euros. We all know what he is capable of; a proven Spanish league goal scorer. Could provide cover for the undisputed top two strikers on the squad. Great sell on value if he even only gets a few games.

3. Borja Valero

Although touted for a move to Fiorentina. Valero is a talented deep lying play maker, who is capable of putting in a tackle. His time in England helped him develop the defensive side to his game. Great cover for Alonso. Mourinho clearly does not like Ganero for the Alonso roll, so this is cheap option. Spanish too. Available for 7M euros.

4. Rondon

Another Malaga player, 22 years old. Big striker with good skill. Approaching 50 career goals scored in the Spanish league. Proven quantity. Great cover for Higuain and Benz. Available for 8M euros.

5. Yanga-Mbiwa

Led the French champions, Montpellier, in defense. Was one of their three key players, along with Giroud and Belhanda, to help the club steal the championship over the very wealthy PSG. One year left on his contract. 23 years old. Huge potential. Better option for center-back reserve than Albiol. I am a fan of Albiol, but Mourinho is the boss, and does not favor him.

6. Mathieu Debuchy

Right back is a well-documented void in Madrid’s roster (Managing Madrid even posted an article on the options at hand). He is in his prime, 27 years old. A French international. Available at 5M euros. Newcastle are in for him, but are stalling. Plenty of time for Madrid to steal the show.

7. Bruno

Another Villarreal player. Great ball winner in the heart of the midfield. Nice range of passing. Spanish. 28 years old. Lass has been touted with leaving, so would be able to fulfill the role of Khedria’s back up. 5-7M euros.

8. Blaszczykowski

Talented left-sided midfield player. One year left on his deal with BvB. One of the main reasons they have claimed back to back Bundesliga titles. And that league is no joke. Provides another option to di Maria. Available for 10M euros.

9. Adebayor

We all know Ade well. Pace, hold up play, poacher, involves teammates, intelligent runs. I am not saying he would be first choice, but great back up for Higuain and Benz. And he has always expressed a desire to return to Madrid. Available for 4M euros. Man City need to get rid of him from their salary.

10. Robert Lewandowski

23 years old. Natural goal scorer. BVB back to back titles. Scored 30 goals last season. Available for 15M euros for a seriously talented striker entering his peak.

Honorable mentions: Kagawa, Jan Vertonghan

Both have already been sold, but represent great business.

Clubs in trouble is usually a terrible thing to witness. It was sad to see a great club such as Villarreal get relegated. But such is football. And one team’s misfortune is another team’s opportunity to improve. Madrid can use this summer to take advantage of clubs in trouble like, Villarreal and Malaga, to purchase players at great value.