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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Real Madrid have generated €440 million from the sale of academy players in six years
Real Madrid have generated €440 million from the sale of academy players in six years
Real Madrid’s La Fabrica has long been renowned for producing top talent, but in recent years it has arguably become a valuable financial asset for the club as well.
The latest example is the sale of academy graduate Gonzalo Garcia, who is set to join Fulham in a permanent deal worth around €40 million, as he looks to reunite with former coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
Garcia’s move to Fulham is the latest in a series of sales Real Madrid have made in the past few years, which have generated a serious amount of money.
Real Madrid’s staggering sales numbers
According to Jose Luis Sanchez , Real Madrid have generated a remarkable €440 million in revenue from the sale of youth players over the last six seasons.
Garcia is set to reunite with Alvaro Arbeloa. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Rather than always integrating academy graduates into a star-studded first team, Real Madrid frequently sell them on, often while retaining a percentage of their economic rights and a buy-back option to protect their long-term interests.
Garcia’s departure fits that pattern perfectly. Fulham are paying €40 million for 70% of the striker’s rights, with Real Madrid keeping a 30% sell-on clause and a preferential option to re-sign him in the future.
In addition, Fulham are also set to buy another academy talent, Cesar Palacios, for €8-10 million , with Los Blancos retaining 30% of his economic rights.
Funding Real Madrid’s new acquisitions
Sale of academy players have helped Real Madrid fund new signings. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)
Because academy players carry little to no book value, the vast majority of any fee registers as near-pure profit.
This summer alone, Real Madrid have raised well over €100 million from players who were not even at the club, including a €60 million windfall tied to Nico Paz and significant sums from the likes of Victor Munoz, Alvaro Rodriguez, and Mario Gila.
Those proceeds have effectively funded the club’s expensive rebuild under Jose Mourinho, covering the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries and others.
Real Madrid, in fact, are on the verge of signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig in a deal worth around €120 million. The club are also eyeing a move for Carlos Espi as a potential replacement for Garcia.
Real MadridReal Madrid’s La FabricaGonzalo GarciaFulhamAlvaro ArbeloaGarcia’sReal Madrid’sAccordingJose Luis SanchezGarciaPhotoAngel Martinez
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