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The three most expensive sales in Real Madrid history
Real Madrid have spent decades building a reputation for signing the biggest stars in world football, but the club has also been remarkably successful when it comes to selling players at the right time.
While Los Blancos are rarely dependent on player departures to balance their finances, some exits have generated enormous fees and continue to rank among the most significant deals in football.
The three most expensive sales in Real Madrid history show the club’s ability to maximise value, even when allowing key players to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.
On that note, let’s take a look at the three most expensive sales in Real Madrid history
Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus – €100 million
No player tops this list quite like Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus transfer in the summer of 2018 brought Real Madrid €100 million and remains the club’s biggest sale to date.
After nine extraordinary seasons in Madrid, the Portuguese icon opted for a new challenge in Italy, bringing an end to one of the most successful periods ever enjoyed by an individual player at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ronaldo joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 and transformed into the face of an era that delivered unprecedented European success.
During his stay in the Spanish capital, Ronaldo lifted four Champions League trophies, won two La Liga titles and established himself as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer.
By the time the Cristiano Ronaldo Juventus transfer was completed in July 2018, the Portuguese forward had played 438 matches for Real Madrid and scored an astonishing 450 goals.
More than seven years later, the deal still sits comfortably at the top of the list of Real Madrid biggest sales and remains one of the most important transactions in modern football.
Angel Di Maria to Manchester United – €75 million
Second place among the most expensive departures Real Madrid have completed belongs to Angel Di Maria.
The Angel Di Maria to Manchester United transfer in August 2014 generated €75 million for Real Madrid following an outstanding campaign under Carlo Ancelotti, which was a then British record transfer fee.
Having arrived from Benfica in 2010, Di Maria gradually developed into one of the club’s most influential attacking players.
His finest season came in 2013-14, when he played a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure La Decima.
His performance in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid remains one of the defining moments of his career.
When the Angel Di Maria Manchester United deal was finalised, the Argentine had accumulated 190 appearances for Real Madrid and had become one of the most decisive players in European football.
Casemiro to Manchester United – €70 million
Third place is occupied by Casemiro, whose move to England in 2022 added another major entry to the list of Real Madrid outgoing transfers.
The Casemiro Manchester United transfer was completed for €70 million in August 2022.
Initially arriving at Real Madrid in 2013, Casemiro developed into one of the most dominant defensive midfielders of his generation.
Alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, the Brazilian became a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s modern success, helping the club win five Champions League titles.
By the time the Casemiro Manchester United transfer was agreed, Casemiro had made 336 appearances for Real Madrid and had established himself as one of the most successful midfielders in the club’s recent history.
Real Madrid will lock horns with Elche CF away at Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero later tonight in Matchday 6 of the 2026/27 La Liga season.
The Merengues are currently second in the league standings with four wins and one defeat from five games, three points behind Barcelona, who are yet to drop a single point this term, and have looked unstoppable.
Given the situation, Real Madrid know there is no room for slip-up, even though it is still very early in the season.
Jose Mourinho’s men have not been particularly convincing away from home this term, having just about managed to beat RCD Espanyol in their opening match before falling to their only defeat of the campaign against Real Betis.
The hope will be to address that issue and put in a strong performance while collecting all three points heading into the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the week.
Going into the match, Los Blancos have not received any new fitness boosts, with Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable.
However, there will likely be some rotations with an eye on the derby, and here’s how Mourinho could set his team up against Elche tonight.
Defence
Trent Alexander-Arnold has had to share minutes with summer signing Denzel Dumfries so far this season, but will be hoping to make the right-back spot his own with a convincing performance tonight against Elche.
Meanwhile, on the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to retain his place after a brilliant display at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano, which would also allow Marc Cucurella to be protected before the derby.
At centre-back, Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting lineup, at the expense of Antonio Rudiger, and partner with Ibrahima Konate.
Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and will continue his search for a second clean sheet this season.
Midfield
While Aurelien Tchouameni has returned from his injury layoff, he is unlikely to be rushed back by Mourinho. As such, the Frenchman is likely to feature off the bench once again tonight at Elche.
Instead, the double pivot pairing of Federico Valverde and Bernardo Silva is expected to take the field once again, with Eduardo Camavinga also having to settle for a spot among the substitutes.
Jude Bellingham has started all of Real Madrid’s matches so far this season and given his form and importance to the team, Mourinho will not rotate him tonight against Elche.
Attack
Yan Diomande made his first start at Real Madrid last weekend against Rayo Vallecano but failed to make the best impression.
Meanwhile, Arda Guler was once again brilliant for Los Blancos after coming on as a substitute, making a strong case for him to be reinstated to the starting XI on the right wing.
As for the left side of the attack, Vinicius Jr. will retain his place, hoping to find his best form after a rather slow start to the campaign.
Kylian Mbappe, who has now scored six goals in La Liga this season, will spearhead the attack, hoping to end his run of seven months without scoring away from home in the league.
