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Last summer Spanish clubs broke records, this offseason they were calmer. However, there was still a movement of big names - "Inside Futbol" tried to compile a top ten list of potential best deals.
10. Carlos Marchena (From "Valencia" to "Villarreal" for 3 million euros)
Even though the best seasons for the 31-year-old Spanish national team player are probably behind him, doubting his abilities would be naive. Although Marchena may not be the fastest, he compensates for this with experience and could be similar to Ricardo Carvalho.
9. Diego Godin (From "Villarreal" to Madrid "Atletico" for 8 million euros)
A member of the Uruguayan national team, which reached the World Cup semi-finals, immediately caught the attention of "Atletico". He will join his compatriot Diego Forlan and take on the role of the main central defender in the squad of Europa League winners.
8. Sergio Canales (Santander "Racing" - Madrid "Real", 4.5 million euros)
Although "Real" lacks attacking talent, the acquisition of Canales for a symbolic price should be considered a significant success. The young and promising player should take advantage of the absence of the Brazilian Kaka, who will not play for several months.
7. Ricardo Carvalho ("Chelsea" - "Real", 8 million euros)
Some doubted the usefulness of this deal for the Spanish club. After all, the team is trying to rely more and more on young talents, and the 32-year-old Portuguese is experiencing the sunset of his career. Nevertheless, considering that Pepe and Ezequiel Garay are injured, the experienced player, the best Champions League defender of 2004, will surely be useful to his former coach Jose Mourinho.
6. Fran Merida (London "Arsenal" - Madrid "Atletico", without transfer fee)
English clubs in Europe are considered pirates - both "Arsenal" and "Man Utd" entice young and talented Spaniards, Italians, for whom they pay relatively small amounts and increase their value several times over a few years. There are numerous examples - Federico Macheda, Cesc Fabregas, Gerard Pique, and others. However, Merida broke the rule - failing to find common ground with the leaders of the London club, the organizer of attacks turned to Madrid. And he is called the "new Fabregas"...
5. Roberto Soldado ("Getafe" - "Valencia", 8 million euros)
"Valencia" lost their biggest star and one of the best strikers in Europe, David Villa, so they looked for a way to fill the gap. The decision was made - Soldado's performance curve is rising every year, and his price matched the realities of the club, which is not going through its best times.
4. Felipe Luis (La Coruna "Deportivo" - Madrid "Atletico", 13.5 million euros)
A serious injury last season blocked the Brazilian's path to the World Cup. However, "Atletico" can rejoice in acquiring one of the best left-backs in the country.
3. Adriano ("Sevilla" - "Barcelona", 9.5 million euros + 4 million euros)
To buy a talented full-back for less than 10 million euros - a great deal. Adriano plays both left and right back, as well as left and right winger, so coach Pep Guardiola has plenty to choose from.
2. Angel di Maria (Lisbon "Benfica" - "Real", 25 million euros + 11 million euros)
One of Jose Mourinho's first tasks in Madrid was to acquire several full-backs, which his predecessor Manuel Pellegrini did not particularly like. Although di Maria did not shine in the World Cup, he was recognized as the best footballer of the year in Portugal and proved multiple times that he is ready to reach a higher level.
1. David Villa ("Valencia" - "Barcelona", 40 million euros)
It happened as it was supposed to happen sooner or later - Villa chose one of the great Spanish clubs. For two years he was tempted by "Real", but ultimately the contract was signed with "Barcelona". In the ranks of the Spanish champions, Villa will have to at least partially replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a huge acquisition from the previous offseason, who probably has not justified himself so far.
