Real Madrid's greatest free transfers

With Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to the Spanish capital seemingly inevitable, we take a look at Real Madrid's greatest-ever free transfers.

Kylian Mbappe

Still in the infancy of his Real Madrid career, the early signs have been promising for Kylian Mbappe.

It was a move that seemed a matter of 'when' and not 'if' with the Spanish giants long-admiring the former Paris Saint-Germain forward.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman is on track to rack up more than 40 goals to go along with an El Clasico hat-trick.

Antonio Rudiger

Antonio Rudiger had carved out a reputation as one of the best centre-halves on the planet when he left Chelsea in the summer of 2022.

An imposing figure across the backline, the German has been instrumental to two UEFA Champions League winning sides.

His form in 2024 earned him a spot in the FIFPRO Men's World XI for the first time.

David Alaba

Appearing 431 times for Bayern Munich, David Alaba made the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu after 13 years in Bavaria.

Famed for his versatility the Austrian international can play in a range of positions including left back, centre back and defensive midfield.

The most recent part of his Real Madrid career has been plagued by injuries but he has still played major parts in multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League winning sides.

Steve McManaman

Steve McManaman experienced arguable the greatest moment of his professional career when he scored a spectacular volley in the 2000 UEFA Champions League final.

Much the same as Trent Alexander-Arnold; McManaman received backlash upon announcing his decision to leave Anfield.

In the end his move was than vindicated, appearing over 150 times for the Spanish giants with six major trophies to show for his spell.

Michael Laudrup

No other player is loved on both sides of the clásico divide quite like Laudrup.

The Dane's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid was shrouded in controversy at the time but journalist Daniel Storey seemed to think he won both sets of fans round in the end.

Laudrup is considered one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation, representing a whole host of top teams including Lazio, Juventus and Ajax.

His La Liga win in 1994/95 with Los Blancos made him the first-ever player to win five straight Spanish top-flight trophies with two different teams.

Bernd Schuster

Our second entry to cross the fabled Barcelona-Real Madrid line.

Bernd Schuster made the move to Madrid in 1988 after a stellar career with their bitter rivals.

The German international won consecutive La Liga titles in his two seasons at the club but injuries had significantly impacted his playing style.

He left in 1990, continuing the habit of controversial moves by joining Atletico Madrid.