However, this was followed by the big one as Karim Benzema also decided to join Al-Ittihad on a free transfer on one of the biggest contracts in football history.
With four forwards, including their captain, gone, Madrid are in the market looking for a striker. They have been linked with several names so far, and it seems more names will join this transfer list.
According to Florian Plettenburg (h/t Madrid Universal), Romelu Lukaku could be offered to Madrid this summer transfer window.
Currently on loan at Inter Milan, Lukaku is expected to return to Chelsea in the summer, where his future is still in doubt. The Belgian played his last match for the Serie A giants yesterday in the Champions League final, losing 1-0 against Manchester City.
His return tenure with Inter has been promising over the second part of the season, though. With ten goals and six assists in 25 league appearances, he had the second-highest goal contributions for the club after Lautaro Martinez.
Madrid are also exploring other options in the market, with their eyes set on Harry Kane as their number one priority. His price tag, though, is set at upwards of €100 million, and that is if Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy allows offers.
They have also been linked with Roberto Firmino as well, but the Brazilian will not be their first-choice option in attack should the transfer go through. Joselu of Espanyol is also close to joining the club.
Apart from this, they have completed the signings of Fran Garcia from Rayo Vallecano and brought back Brahim Diaz from AC Milan after his two-year loan tenure.