At Santiago Bernabéu, they don't understand half measures. If Real Madrid fell in the Champions League quarterfinals against Arsenal, it wasn't due to a lack of talent. It was because of inches, details, a bit more energy, forcefulness, and physicality.
That, at the white house, isn't forgiven. At least not when the goal is to reclaim the European throne as soon as possible.
Florentino Pérez's reaction has been immediate after a trophyless year. The summer has been anything but calm in the club's offices, where sports planning has become a matter of state. Competing is no longer enough: they have to dominate.
200 million already spent... and rising
The bill is starting to add up, and it's not exactly small. As of today, Real Madrid has already spent more than €180 million ($180 million) on signings.
The names aren't secondary: Huijsen, a young center-back with enormous potential, signed for €58 million ($58 million); Mastantuono, an Argentine gem arriving from River for €63.2 million ($63.2 million); Carreras, an explosive full-back for €50 million ($50 million)...
Above all, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's right-back who arrived as a free agent. But Real Madrid had to pay €10 million ($10 million) to bring him in early for the Club World Cup.
They also have to add the cost of signing Xabi Alonso, who was under contract at Bayer Leverkusen. They had to pay €8 million ($8 million) for his release.
The dismissal of Ancelotti, also under contract, who was paid the €12 million ($12 million) for the year he had left to fulfill.
The total spending so far is approaching €200 million ($200 million). But there's more. Real Madrid hasn't closed the chapter on signings and is working on a blockbuster move.
The missing signing: Rodri, the secret weapon
At the Valdebebas training complex, they're clear: the signing that would change everything is Rodri Hernández, Manchester City's midfielder.
A complete footballer, Xabi Alonso's favorite, who believes his presence in midfield is essential.
Rodri isn't a name that's made many headlines this summer, but he's been present at every important meeting. The figure being discussed is around €110 million ($110 million). It's a complex operation, but not impossible.
Florentino's order: spare no expense
Florentino Pérez has given the order: they have to do whatever it takes to dominate Europe again. The team already has firepower up front with Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinícius (at least for now), Gonzalo, and Endrick. It has top-class full-backs, young center-backs with potential, and talent in abundance.
What's missing is an absolute leader in midfield. Rodri fits that profile better than anyone.
The deal could close the summer by raising the total spending on signings to €300 million ($300 million). It's a staggering figure that doesn't scare Florentino.
At Madrid, they no longer look at the price. They look at the Champions League.