The power of Real Madrid has taken one of the transfer market's most in-demand players to the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu yet again, this time David Alaba.
The Austrian will become a Real Madrid player on July 1, beating competition from Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool and the riches of the Premier League.
There was also interest from Juventus in Italy, but Alaba couldn't resist the call from Real Madrid, where he has wanted to play for years.
Real Madrid have moved quickly to seal an agreement for a player who can join on a free transfer, with an overall economic impact of 80 million euros over four years for his salary.
In times of economic crisis due to the pandemic, it was the only way that the club could afford to sign a player of his talent and expense.
Alaba's wages, 12 million euros net per season, will be high but are worth it for one of the best players in Europe in a key position for the side.
Real Madrid have been scouring the market for a central defender for next season and the market did not offer many options, at least for less than 50 million euros.
Alaba is valued at 65 million euros by Transfermarkt and Eder Militao, who has not lived up to expectations, cost 50 million euros.
Pau Torres would also have cost 50 million euros, plus his salary, which makes Alaba look like a sound financial deal in every aspect.
Real Madrid have been pursuing Alaba and following his situation in Germany closely since talks over a renewal with Bayern Munich were brought to a close.
On January 1, MARCA revealed that an offer had been made and an agreement has already been reached with Alaba's agent and father, Pini Zahavi.
Similar operation to Kroos
Time will tell how Alaba performs for Real Madrid, but the move brings back memories of the deal for Toni Kroos in 2014.
While he didn't come for free, costing 25 million euros, the price tag was proven to be a bargain for all that he has offered Los Blancos.
Real Madrid acted similarly to be the quickest club to react in the pursuit to bring Takefusa Kubo back to Spain from Japan, leaving Barcelona behind to sign him for free.
Now, Real Madrid have again been the quickest to act to sign Alaba, who Europe's top clubs were chasing.
Alaba will don the shirt of Real Madrid from July 1 and has already passed a medical.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com