Champions League
Real Madrid's Five Costliest Defensive Signings Listed
Real Madrid's five most expensive defensive signings total €266 million. Dean Huijsen tops the list at €63 million, followed by Marc Cucurella at €55 million. Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras and Ferland Mendy complete the ranking at €50 million, €50 million and €48 million respectively.
Dean Huijsen arrived from Bournemouth for €63 million at age 21. His debut season was underwhelming, but his blend of physical presence and technical ability was cited as justification for the fee. The Spanish international is expected to develop into a long‑term defensive leader.
Marc Cucurella joined from Chelsea for €55 million upfront, with add‑ons that could raise the total to €60 million. The Spain international offers energy, tactical flexibility and the ability to contribute in possession. He can operate as a full‑back, wing‑back or in a more advanced role, while Real Madrid already have four left‑backs on the roster.
Eder Militao transferred from Porto for €50 million and has become one of Real Madrid's most reliable defenders. His impact is viewed as excellent value given the fee. He helped replace iconic defenders during a transitional period at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Alvaro Carreras signed from Benfica for €50 million last summer as a promising prospect. He fell out of favour under former manager Alvaro Arbeloa, and his future is uncertain after Cucurella’s arrival. The Spanish defender started the 2025/26 season strongly before a dip in form.
Ferland Mendy was bought from Lyon in 2019 for €48 million. The French full‑back earned a reputation for consistency, defensive discipline and reliability. He is likely to leave Real Madrid.