Real Madrid will make incredible signings, promises president Perez

The club chief has pledged to invest in the squad after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo as they look to protect their European crown

Posted Thursday, July 19, 2018 by Goal.com

Real Madrid will look to make a splash in the transfer market following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Madrid's all-time record goalscorer completed a move to Juventus earlier this month worth €100m (£88m/$117m), marking the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe are among the names to have been linked with Madrid as they prepare to begin 2018-19 under new head coach Julen Lopetegui and president Florentino Perez did nothing to dampen expectations of a statement signing.

"We are aware of the expectations this team faces every season," Perez said following right-back Alvaro Odriozola's introduction as a Madrid player.

"We're Real Madrid and we always want more. This is a winning team with amazing players.

"We have an amazing squad that will be reinforced with new, incredible players."

Odriozola joined from Real Sociedad for a reported €40m (£35.4m/$46.8m) in Madrid's latest signing of the summer, as the European champions have already landed Andriy Lunin from Zorya Luhansk, while Vinicius Junior arrives from Flamengo.

Madrid have constantly been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain duo Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, but released statements to dismiss reports of offers and then dismissed talk of any interest in the Brazilian.

Since then, rumours surrounding a bid for Chelsea star Eden Hazard have increased, and the Belgium international hinted after the World Cup that he is open to the move.

"After six wonderful years at Chelsea it might be time to discover something different," Hazard said, later adding: "You know my preferred destination."

The idea of the attacker heading for the European champions was backed by Belgium coach Roberto Martinez, while Thibaut Courtois suggested he could follow his compatriot on the way out of Stamford Bridge, saying: "Wherever I go, Hazard must come along. We will not let each other go."

New Blues boss Maurizio Sarri, however, says he wants Hazard to remain in London and plans to help him improve next season.