It is no secret that Real Madrid have gained recognition for their successful strategy of scouting and signing young talents from South America, a trend that other top European clubs are now following.
According to journalist Martin Cortegana, as reported by The Athletic, Real Madrid are particularly proud of this approach, especially as clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea have started to adopt similar methods.
In fact, the signings of Julian Alvarez and Claudio Echeverri by Manchester City, and Angelo Gabriel and Estevao by Chelsea, are prime examples of this shift.
A decade ago, Real Madrid were not known for their scouting prowess. The club was more famous for its ability to attract and sign the biggest stars from across Europe.
Changes at Real Madrid
In recent years, the club’s approach to transfers has evolved significantly. Interestingly, their average net spend on transfers, when considering both sales and signings, now stands at just €39.1 million per season.
This shift reflects a broader strategy developed by club president Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez.
This new approach was born out of necessity, driven by the emergence of powerful European rivals like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
Additionally, the financial success of the Premier League has made it increasingly difficult for clubs outside of England to compete for established stars. These challenges also partly explain Real Madrid’s support for the European Super League project.
With these financial constraints, Real Madrid have had to adapt to a less dominant position in the transfer market.
Instead of consistently signing the biggest names each summer, the club has shifted its focus to acquiring younger players who are still developing. This allows Real Madrid to nurture and shape these talents within their system in Spain.
Notable players in Real Madrid’s current squad, such as Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Andriy Lunin, Brahim Diaz, Eder Militao, Eduardo Camavinga, Endrick, and Arda Guler, were all signed with this approach in mind.
Juni Calafat – The mastermind
A key part of this approach has been Juni Calafat, who serves as the chief scout. His expertise, along with the guidance of Jose Angel Sanchez, has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s success in this area.
The club is also proud of how their formula is being imitated by others, highlighting the influence Real Madrid continues to have in the world of football. As Sanchez oversees negotiations and financial matters, he ensures that Perez is kept informed and has the final say on all major decisions.
This cohesive teamwork has solidified Real Madrid’s position as a leader in scouting and developing young talent, a strategy that is now being emulated by other top clubs across Europe.