The extraordinary failure to bring in their No. 1 target has rounded off a hugely disappointing transfer window for Los Blancos, writes Alberto Pinero.
The transfer window has slammed shut for Real Madrid and the club is no better off than it was at the beginning of the summer. With David de Gea's signing collapsing at the last minute because of a problem with the paperwork, this season's side looks very similar to last year's version — and none of the weaknesses has really been addressed.
If anything, the 2014-15 campaign appeared to highlight that Madrid needed another striker, a central midfielder and a goalkeeper if Iker Casillas left the club.