Real Madrid made significant investments during the summer transfer window, bringing in players like Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras to strengthen Xabi Alonso’s roster. While the club didn’t generate substantial revenue from player sales, a few circumstances could have led to a considerable financial boost.
Real Madrid owns 50% of Sergio Arribas’ transfer rights, which means they would be entitled to half of any transfer fee if Almeria were to sell him. According to Mohamed El Assy, the general director of the Andalusian club, Arribas was on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli in a deal worth €28 million, as reported by Diario de Almeria (via Diario AS).
“He was the second choice for the club, but they eventually signed their top target instead. Arribas is a key player for us. I believe in one or two years, the club could sell him for a significant fee,” El Assy remarked.
Real Madrid’s Limitations in Signing Arribas
El Assy clarified that Real Madrid does not possess a buy-back option for Arribas, only a “non-negotiable sell-on clause.” Had a transfer been finalized, €14 million would have been sent to Santiago Bernabeu—yielding a total of €20 million, considering that Almeria acquired the La Fabrica product for around €6 million in summer 2023.
Arribas has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, tallying five goals and four assists in just 12 games in the Segunda Division. As Almeria sits second in the standings, whether they secure promotion to La Liga or not, it’s highly likely that the talented 24-year-old midfielder will attract a lucrative transfer during the summer window of 2026—a scenario that Real Madrid will certainly be hoping for.