How Real Madrid’s 2021-22 sales have performed this season
Cameron Smith
- 29 Mar 2022 15:57 CDT
- 5 min read
Real Madrid have changed their transfer policy towards one that prioritises young talent, primarily from South America, over Galactico signings.
The pursuit of Kylian Mbappe would change that, but Real Madrid have acted far more shrewdly in recent years.
Their sale policy has also been one that's improved. They have managed to move on stars who are either ageing or warming the bench, leaving them with more spare cash to spend, likely on the aforementioned Mbappe.
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Last summer was no exception to the rule, with Los Blancos making several sales in order to raise funds.
How have each of those sold, or loaned out, performed this season so far?
Raphael Varane - €45m to Man Utd
Raphael Varane spent 10 illustrious years at the Santiago Bernabeu, but called it quits on his time in Madrid in order to join Manchester United.
After a shaky start to life in the Premier League, Varane has adapted to the pace and physicality of the division, but he's yet to truly stand out. Due to the form of Man Utd's backline, it's been hard to impress but while Varane has been arguably their best defender this season, he hasn't looked like his prime Real Madrid self.
He's performed fairly well, but hasn't been able to help drag Man Utd to clean sheets too often. They've even conceded more goals than relegation candidates Burnley.
Martin Odegaard - €35m to Arsenal
Martin Odegaard was never really given a chance at Real Madrid, despite the promise of first-team action following his recall after an impressive loan spell at Real Sociedad.
In order to gain minutes the Norway captain joined Arsenal on loan in January 2021, and that deal was made permanent in the summer. Although he began life in England slowly, Odegaard has come into his own of late.
He's contributed eight Premier League goals this campaign, but his game far exceeds goal contributions. Odegaard sets the tempo for Mikel Arteta's side, and without him they would be far inferior. He is the most important piece of the puzzle at Arsenal, and it's no surprise they've picked up results as Odegaard adapts to the league.
Sergio Ramos - Free to PSG
Joining long-term centre-back partner Varane in leaving the club last summer, Sergio Ramos hasn't had even close to the success the Frenchman has experienced, which isn't a lot.
The former Real Madrid captain has played just five times in all competitions for PSG, with injuries keeping him sidelined for the majority of the season. Even when he's been fit he hasn't helped himself. He was sent off for two bookings within five minutes at the end of his second game for the club, and despite scoring in a win over Stade Reims, Ramos has really not impressed.
Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos remain the first choice pairing, and Ramos simply hasn't been fit enough to challenge for minutes. It's not been a happy move at all.
Brahim Diaz - Loan to Milan
Brahim Diaz's loan to Milan does include a buy-option, and based off his season the Italian giants could well trigger that deal.
The Spaniard barely featured for Los Blancos, but he's managed to find minutes in Milan. he started the campaign well, netting three goals and assisting three in his first 12 league games, but he has gone off the boil lately.
He is still an important part of the side, but he hasn't scored or assisted since December, which may need to change if Milan want to win the Scudetto this year.
A promising start for the 22-year-old though.
Takefusa Kubo - Loan to Mallorca
Another young wide attacker out on loan, Takefusa Kubo hasn't quite had the success of Diaz.
The Japanese winger has scored one and assisted one in 20 La Liga appearances this campaign, but he hasn't been much of a regular starter mainly due to a lengthy injury delay.
Mallorca are currently in the relegation zone, so it isn't the easiest environment to thrive in, but more may have been expected from Kubo who was excellent on loan at Mallorca in 2019/20.
His underlying numbers still look promising though, so the end product is the next ,and final, step.
Alvaro Odriozola- Loan to Fiorentina
Alvaro Odriozola hasn't quite adapted to Serie A life with aplomb, and more was certainly expected from someone who spent time at Bayern Munich on loan,
He has played 22 times in the league, and Fiorentina remain in the hunt for European football, but Odriozola will need to step up a little more.
There's been not much wrong with his performances, but he's failed to develop from the young, emerging talent Real Madrid saw when he played at Real Sociedad.
He has scored one goal and assisted one in the Italian top flight this season.
