As the 2026 winter transfer window slammed shut this Monday, Real Madrid once again remained silent, sticking to a strict policy that has defined the Florentino Pérez era.
While Europe’s elite scrambled for last-minute reinforcements, the reigning Champions League holders chose to trust their current squad. According to a report by Marca, the last time Los Blancos made a mid-season move was in January 2019, when they secured Brahim Díaz from Manchester City for £15 million.
The Brahim Success Story
Brahim’s journey serves as a blueprint for Real Madrid’s patience. After a three-year developmental loan at AC Milan, the playmaker returned to the Bernabéu as a refined talent. Under current manager Álvaro Arbeloa, Brahim has embraced his role as a vital “12th man,” racking up 21 appearances this season. While his stats (1 goal, 4 assists) may seem modest, his tactical flexibility remains a key asset in Madrid’s title charge.
Rival Spending: City and Liverpool Splash the Cash
In stark contrast to Madrid’s inactivity, their European rivals have spent heavily to bridge the gap:
- Manchester City: Pep Guardiola sanctioned a €100m double swoop for Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi.
- Liverpool: The reigning Premier League champions bolstered their backline on deadline day, signing Jeremy Jacquet in a massive £60m deal.
Saving the War Chest for the Summer
Real Madrid’s January silence is almost certainly a strategic move to preserve funds for a “Galactico” summer. The club is heavily linked with PSG’s Vitinha and Manchester City’s Rodri.
Furthermore, reports from Eduardo Inda suggest that Enzo Fernández is pushing for a move away from Chelsea, with the Argentine midfielder reportedly “dreaming” of a move to the Spanish capital. By staying quiet now, Madrid positions itself to be the primary protagonist of the July transfer window.
Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
