When a member of the Real Madrid hierarchy requests that the club sign a particular player, the task is more often than not completed with minimum fuss. Backed by the Spanish taxpayer, money is no object for the 'La Decima' champions, as they spend each summer acquiring the hottest talent from across the globe. To demonstrate their financial wealth and influence in the modern day transfer market, they have paid over £70 million for four separate players over the last five years. However, while the Madrid chiefs are so used to getting exactly what they want every summer, there does come a time every now and then when the self-titled 'biggest club on the planet' tastes the cold bitter pill of rejection. Whether it comes in the form of a club pulling out, or simply a player choosing to stave off the lure and prestige of the Bernabeu, there have been a number of top-class players who came so close to gracing the hallowed Santiago pitch. These rare rejections can lead to boardroom quarrels, contractual disputes and disharmony amongst the Madrid hierarchy, reminiscent of a child being told what they can't have. Take a look at the ten players we have singled out who almost ended up donning that famous white strip.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
