Two best and worst January signings Real Madrid have made in recent history | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s January transfer strategy has always been different from most elite clubs. 

The Spanish giants rarely panic in winter, preferring stability over short-term fixes. 

However, when they have dipped into the January market, the results have been extreme. 

Some signings went on to define eras and reshape the club’s identity, while others became symbols of confusion, rushed decisions and wasted opportunities.

Looking back, four names perfectly capture both ends of that spectrum. 

Two January arrivals became legends whose impact stretched across more than a decade. 

The other two failed to leave any meaningful mark, despite the expectations that come with wearing white at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The worst January signings

Julien Faubert

The signing of Julien Faubert in January 2009 remains one of the most baffling decisions in Real Madrid’s modern history. 

Brought in on loan from West Ham, Faubert arrived during a season when Madrid were chasing Barcelona in La Liga and needed instant quality.

That quality never arrived. Faubert made just two appearances for Real Madrid across all competitions, starting none of them. 

He failed to score or assist and was rarely trusted, even as a bench option. His lack of confidence, limited tactical understanding and inability to cope with the pace of elite football were obvious.

The signing quickly became symbolic of poor planning. Faubert was neither a long-term investment nor a short-term solution. 

His impact was virtually non-existent, and the move is still remembered as a cautionary tale about January desperation at the Bernabéu.

Reinier Jesus

Reinier Jesus never played for the Real Madrid first team. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

When Real Madrid secured Reinier Jesus in January 2020, the logic was clear on paper. 

A young Brazilian talent, signed with the hope of long-term growth, following the club’s successful recruitment model from South America.

In reality, things did not go as planned. Reinier has made no competitive appearances for Real Madrid’s first team. 

Instead, he was sent on multiple loans across Europe, struggling to settle or impose himself consistently. 

Despite flashes of technical quality, he never developed the physical intensity or tactical discipline required at the top level.

His case highlights a different type of January failure. Not a panic signing, but a project that stalled. 

For a club that demands immediate readiness or rapid progression, Reinier’s lack of first-team impact places him firmly among Madrid’s worst winter deals.

The best January signings

Marcelo

Marcelo is a club legend at Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Signed in January 2007, Marcelo arrived as a teenager with raw talent and big expectations. Few could have predicted what followed. 

Over time, Marcelo became one of the greatest left-backs in football history and a defining figure of Real Madrid’s modern success.

Marcelo made over 540 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 38 goals and providing 100+ assists across all competitions. 

Beyond numbers, his influence was tactical and emotional. He transformed the left-back role, offering creativity, width and leadership. 

His chemistry with Cristiano Ronaldo became a key weapon during Madrid’s Champions League dominance.

Marcelo’s January arrival was the opposite of a quick fix. It was a long-term vision that paid off spectacularly, delivering trophies, identity and unforgettable moments.

Casemiro

Casemiro defined an era alongside Modric and Kroos. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

If Marcelo brought flair, Casemiro brought balance. 

Signed in January 2013 after impressing with Sao Paulo, Casemiro initially arrived as a low-profile reinforcement. His rise was gradual, but his impact became enormous.

Casemiro went on to make 336 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 31 goals and playing a vital role in five Champions League titles. 

As the defensive anchor in midfield, he allowed creative players to flourish while protecting the back line with intelligence, aggression and positioning.

His importance went far beyond stats. Casemiro gave structure to Madrid’s midfield, especially alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. 

Without him, that legendary trio would not have reached the same level of dominance. For a January signing, his value to the club is immeasurable.