Real Madrid James and Morata deals recoup the cash

As a club who have earned a reputation for Galactico level spending over the years, Real Madrid have turned into quite the prudent side when it comes to the transfer market.

For the second summer in a row, Los Blancos have made a profit from player movements and it's a period of economic remuneration that is not coming at the expense on the quality of the pitch.

Spending 46.5 million euros on the signatures of Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos, with the 45m euro deal for Vinicius Jr to be paid at a later date, Real managed to earn a whopping 126m euros from sales.

Chief among which were Alvaro Morata for 62m euros, Danilo for 30m euros, Diego Llorente for 10m euros, Mariano Diaz for 8m euros, and the loan of James Rodriguez to Bayern Munich for an initial 13m euros.

Real transfer margins over the years

2017-2018: + €79.5m 2016-2017: + €7.5m 2015-2016: - €69.85m 2014-2015: - €18.3m 2013-2014: - €62m 2012-2013: €0m 2011-2012: - €47m 2010-2011: - €82.5m 2009-2010: - €169.9m 2008-2009: - €12.9m 2007-2008: - €78.6m 2006-2007: - €87.8m 2005-2006: - €44.4m 2004-2005: - €47.5m 2003-2004: - €5.7m 2002-2003: - €45m 2001-2002: - €73.5m 2000-2001: - €58.5m 1999-2000: - €13.2m 1998-1999: + €7.4m 1997-1998: - €21.5m

A profit margin of 79.5m euros was unthinkable in the days of massive outlays at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, as previously the club had almost always spent more than it had made in the window.

For example, Rafa Benitez plundered 85.5m euros into the market before the 2015/16 campaign but only saw returns of 15.65m euros for Asier Illarramendi and Lucas Silva.

The cash pledged in 2009/10 was even greater, forking out for Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, Raul Albiol and more to lose 169.9m euros.

The man responsible for this change in tack is none other than Zinedine Zidane, who has invested wisely to build the team from promising Spanish players and those previously sent out on loan, keeping his nerve remarkably well when European rivals spend without thought.