Figo: Real Madrid’s Summer Signings Are Excellent, Reinforcement Was Necessary After Two Trophyless Years

Real Madrid legend and Betfair brand ambassador Luis Figo discussed Real Madrid’s summer transfer activity while appearing on the Figosofadas program. He believes the club’s signings were driven more by the actual needs of the squad rather than the pursuit of star names; after two consecutive seasons without trophies, strengthening the team was necessary.

Figo said: “I think Real Madrid’s signings have been excellent. They have brought in the players the team needed in some important positions, including center-backs, full-backs, and wingers such as Diomande. Yes, overall, their signings have been excellent, and they have been made more because of practical needs rather than a player’s reputation.”

“Taking this step and strengthening the squad was necessary because they did not win any trophies in the past two seasons. This was necessary for the atmosphere within the team, and it can also allow fans to welcome the new season with more hope, become more involved, and look forward to the possibility of achieving good results this season.”

In 2000, Real Madrid paid the €60 million release clause in Figo’s Barcelona contract to complete one of the most high-profile transfers in football history, and possibly the most sensational one. At the time, Figo also became the most expensive signing in football history and in Real Madrid’s history. Looking back at the development of the transfer market from the perspective of someone directly involved, Figo believes that some of the fees involved in today’s transfers may have become excessive.

Figo said: “At some point, this situation has to stop. Of course, it depends on each club’s budget, financial fair play policies, and other factors, but these amounts are really very high. I think a €150 million transfer cannot recover its cost by selling shirts, as people have always said or tried to make others believe. These signings can bring returns on the sporting side, but financially it is very difficult.”

When specifically asked about Diomande’s transfer fee, sports media reports stated that Real Madrid paid €125 million for him. In response, Figo said: “Ultimately, that is the market.”

Figo later said: “It has been almost 30 years since my era. At that time, I already thought many of the fees paid for transfers were crazy. But as the transfer market has developed, the amounts paid for some signings have become even crazier.”

Figo does not believe that Real Madrid’s summer signings will change the competitive landscape of La Liga.

Figo said: “Unfortunately, from the perspective of teams competing for the title, I do not think this season’s La Liga will be much different from previous years. In this situation, Real Madrid and Barcelona are still teams capable of winning the title. Of course, this also depends to some extent on Atletico Madrid, but from this perspective, I do not think there will be much difference.”