The transfer window for the 2019-2020 season has officially opened. Two players are already off of Madrid’s books: Marcos Llorente who has infamously signed for Atletico Madrid and Mateo Kovacic, who today was announced as a Chelsea player. Those two transactions have already brought in about €90 million for the club. But the sales will not stop there, with many fringe players already in advanced negotiations with other clubs:
Raul De Tomas
The striker who set the league on fire with 14 goals for relegation side Rayo Vallecano could now be on his way to Portugal. Despite some rumors that he could stick around in Madrid following his impressive season, one which had us lauding the player week in and week out on the Loan Tracker Pod, it looks like a deal with Benfica is imminent. The striker will depart for a reported €20 million, but there are suggestions that Madrid will hold a buy-back clause for the next 2 years.
Theo Hernandez
The young fullback showed so much promise at Alaves, but has been unable to replicate that form with Madrid, nor during his loan spell at Real Sociedad last season, where again he was underwhelming. Unfortunately, what’s stopping Theo from being a great fullback is not his physical and technical qualities, but instead, it’s what’s between the ears. His lack of in-game focus, inability to learn from mistakes, lack of urgency in his play, and off the field antics are all blotches on his record. With the plethora of talent Madrid have at the left back position, the youngster is another who has been deemed surplus to requirements. Photos saw him completing a medical with AC Milan today after a positive meeting with Maldini the other week. He is expected to be sold for €20 million.
Borja Mayoral
One of Madrid’s trio who just claimed gold at the U21 UEFA European Championships. Now at 22 years old, the striker is looking to get consistent minutes. He had an up and down season at Levante, where by seasons end he had earned the starting position but failed to bring any end product in terms of goals and assists. Real Sociedad are said to be heavily interested, if, they can off-load Willian Jose. Mayoral may be competing with new boy Alexander Isak for minutes. It’s expected the Mayoral would be sold outright for up to €15 million.
James
The Colombian’s talent was on full display this summer at the Copa America, but for whatever reason he will likely never feature in a Zidane team. Thus the exit rumors have been in overdrive with Italy, and in particular Napoli, proving to be the players expected destination. A €10 million loan with a further obligation to buy at €30 million the following year (total of €40) is the price being reported by both Spanish and Italian outlets. Atletico Madrid have also arised as a potential suitor, but its unlikely Los Blancos would further improve their direct rivals.
Odegaard
It’s old news by now, but Odegaard is set for a third loan to either Bayern Leverkusen or Real Sociedad. The latter seems the most likely with Odegaard looking to ply his trade in La Liga next season. Competition will be stiff with Portu, Oyarzabal, Isak, and potentially Borja Mayoral all at the club. Sociedad are looking to offload Willian Jose and Adnan Janzuaj in order to free up some space.
Dani Ceballos
Ceballos has been clear that he wants to have significant minutes next season and that likely means a move away from Madrid. What’s not clear is whether that is with a loan, a buy back clause, or a permanent transfer. AC Milan, Arsenal, and Tottenham have all been heavily linked to the central midfielder.
Summary:
The names above are the most likely departures to come in the coming weeks. Still other names remain with unclear futures: Mariano, Bale, Isco, Brahim, Lucas, Reguilon, Nacho, and Vallejo could all be sold or loaned out before the end of the transfer window. What’s clear is that Madrid could generate up to €200 million in sales with €90 already secured off of just two players. More than likely, business will be done until the final minute of this hectic transfer window.