The news that Spanish giants Real Madrid have been banned from registering players for the next two transfer windows may have potentially scuppered several transfer rumours which were floating around by the bar here in the Transfer Tavern.
One punter points out that Madrid’s La Liga rivals Barcelona, who were handed an identical punishment in April 2014 for breaching the same rules on the transfer of under-18 players, still managed to purchase Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal last summer.
Although both players were prevented from playing until the current window opened, they were still able to agree deals with the Nou Camp outfit.
However, the group of Real Madrid fans over by the dartboard are quick to point out that Barcelona failed to attract big name players like Paul Pogba whilst they were subject to the transfer embargo.
Despite the fact that they are still able to sign players, they will not be able to be registered until the summer of 2017 and whilst they can still sell players without restriction, it is unlikely that any big name players will leave the Bernabeu without the possibility of them being replaced.
Hit the image below to see FIVE rumours ruined by Real Madrid’s transfer ban!
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Gareth Bale to Manchester United
Gareth Bale was constantly linked with a United switch during his time at Spurs, although the Welshman ultimately decided to move to the Bernabeu over Old Trafford.
The winger has fared well alongside some of the biggest names in world football and has won the Champions League and Copa Del Rey, scoring in both finals, yet he has still managed to attract some criticism from Madrid supporters on occasion.
Still only 26 years of age, Bale would have been a welcome addition to Manchester United’s faltering attack, with a winger one of their most needed acquisitions.
Isco to Manchester City
Another of Madrid’s more attacking players who was, and still is, constantly linked with a switch to a Premier Club is Isco.
Manchester City, under Iscos’ former Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini, have shown a keen interested in signing the Spaniard since 2013 as a future replacement for David Silva. However, the 23-year old opted against a transfer to the Etihad when now Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane phoned the playmaker at the last minute to persuade him to move to Madrid.
Recent rumours suggested that City could renew their interest in the Golden Boy winner and make a bid this month, but Madrid are unlikely to sell one of their top young players now that they are unable to sign a replacement.
David De Gea to Real Madrid
Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea was on the cusp of a move back in the summer, although the deal fell through because of an error with the legal documents that were sent between the two clubs.
Madrid have two competent stoppers in the form of Keylor Navas and Kiko Casilla, both aged 29, but they would have preferred to have the 25-year old De Gea in their ranks.
Now that United know Madrid can only make additions to their squad for the foreseeable future in the remainder of this month, they will no doubt be doing all that they can to keep hold of their fan favourite, although with a reported £25.5 million release clause in his contract, Madrid may scramble for his signature before their ban is imposed.
Sergio Aguero to Real Madrid
Another Manchester-based player who has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital is City striker Sergio Aguero.
In fact, a move to Real would signify a move back to Madrid as the 27-year old was signed from their rivals Atletico back in 2011.
Since then, the Argentine star has been regarded to be one of the most coveted forwards in world football, having netted an impressive 122 goals in all competitions for City since his arrival at the Etihad Stadium.
His last minute winner against Queens Park Rangers in 2012 won the Blues their first Premier League title and instantly put Aguero amongst City’s greatest ever players, but that takes nothing away from his clinical finishing, incredible dribbling and perhaps unexpected physical strength.
Toni Kroos to Chelsea
Chelsea have suffered from a huge fall from grace this season, currently sitting in 14th position in the Premier League having sacked former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho despite winning the title last season by a landslide.
Midfield has been a concern this campaign for the Stamford Bridge club, with players who were vital last season like Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic now underperforming.
And with Chelsea having to rely on players like Ramires and John Obi-Mikel as alternatives, they have recently been linked with a move for Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos in an attempt to bolster their squad.
The German would have been a welcome addition in providing a box-to-box engine and, despite being a mainstay in the Madrid side with 17 league starts from 19 this term, Los Blancoes were reportedly contemplating selling the 26-year old for around £40 million, though this now seems doubtful.
