The stars Real Madrid & Barcelona could sign after €1bn ESL injection

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Dec 2023 12:37 GMT
• 5 min read

Barcelona and Real Madrid will stand to benefit a great deal from the formation of a European Super League.

The Spanish giants, the only two clubs still loyal to the project that floundered after widespread protests and threats of sanctions in 2021, were given news to rejoice on Thursday. The European Court of Justice ruled that the UEFA and UEFA can't legally stop the formation of the ESL, paving the way for the tournament's belated creation.

If the plans for the new competition are indeed realised, Barcelona and Real Madrid could receive a cash injection of as much as €1 billion, something particularly the former is in desperate need of. It could help them reclaim their spot at the summit of the game, on the pitch and financially, and will allow them to sign more of the world's biggest stars.

Here are some big names that could head to Spain thanks to the ESL.

Kylian Mbappe

Linked with Real Madrid for years, Kylian Mbappe has the chance to join Los Blancos for nothing in the summer. His PSG contract is up in 2024, meaning that he can negotiate with the Spanish giants in January.

However, there have thus far been no suggestions - despite rumours of a Real Madrid deadline - that the Frenchman will make a decision in the winter. In fact, he could yet extend his PSG deal. Under normal circumstances, this would spell the end of Real Madrid's pursuit for the foreseeable future.

But thanks to the ESL funds, they could launch a transfer offensive in the summer or in 2025, which is what PSG are hoping for should Mbappe make it clear that he wants to leave. They do not, under any circumstances, want to lose him for nothing.

Erling Haaland

The number nine position continues to give Los Blancos headaches. Indeed, as FootballTransfers exclusively revealed, the Spaniards are eyeing Mauro Icardi as an upgrade for Joselu.

The dream of any Madridista, however, is signing Erling Haaland as a long-term solution to the striker problem. Haaland's Man City release clause in 2024 will be €175m and €150 the following year - chump change to Real Madrid if the ESL project is realised.

Jamal Musiala

The final megastar Real Madrid could sign is Jamal Musiala, a player they have repeatedly been linked with. The Bayern star has already achieved pretty much everything there is to achieve in Germany and getting him to sign a new deal will be a challenge for the Bavarians.

Musiala's dream is to play in the Premier League, but Real Madrid already have one of his best friends on their books in Jude Bellingham. The 20-year-old, who played alongside Musiala in the English youth setup, could be a crucial ace up Florentino Perez's sleeve.

Florian Wirtz

As for Barcelona, their need for star power is much greater than for their hated rivals. The cash-strapped Catalans have lost their place in the sun in the Champions League and will need to make some serious big-name signings to reclaim it.

One potential player is Florian Wirtz, a man greatly admired by the Blaugrana hierarchy. His current price tag of at least €100m makes a deal impossible, but the ESL could change everything. The Bayer Leverkusen star could already be on the move in 2024 and will definitely leave in 2025 at the latest; he could be Barcelona's first major signing of the new era.

Joshua Kimmich

Barcelona are in desperate need of a long-term Sergio Busquets replacement. Joshua Kimmich, like Wirtz, is someone the Blaugrana have been repeatedly linked with and his future at Bayern is looking as uncertain as ever.

The defensive midfielder could be on the move in 2024 and he would solve the biggest problem that has been giving head coach Xavi headaches for months.

Leroy Sane

Another player repeatedly associated with the Catalans is Kimmich's teammate Leroy Sane. The winger has enjoyed a great season and this has aroused the attention of Barcelona who are looking for upgrades on the likes of Raphinha and Ferran Torres.

Bayern are desperate to tie Sane down to a new deal, but the allure of Barcelona and the promise of ESL cash could convince him to leave the Bundesliga for a second time in his career.