{
  "id": 165637,
  "title": "From Özil to Makelele: 15 Real Madrid stars to join Premier League clubs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/from-ozil-to-makelele-15-real-madrid-stars-to-join-premier-league",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T08:00:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/from-ozil-to-makelele-15-real-madrid-stars-to-join-premier-league-clubs/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Fulham's recent signings of Gonzalo García and César Palacios, both former Real Madrid players, have reignited the tradition of Real Madrid stars joining Premier League clubs. Over the past three decades, numerous high-profile players have made the switch, resulting in memorable success stories and some disappointing outcomes. This article explores 15 of the most notable Real Madrid players who have made the transition to the Premier League.\n\nSome of the most successful transfers include Mesut Özil, who played a pivotal role in Arsenal's three FA Cup victories and helped them win the 2014-15 Premier League title. Claude Makelele, who became the cornerstone of José Mourinho's Chelsea side, guiding the team to two Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the FA Cup. In recent years, Arsenal's Vinícius Júnior emerged as a potential candidate for a move from Real Madrid, completing the list at 16 players.\n\nFulham's recent additions, Gonzalo García and César Palacios, have bolstered the team's squad. García, a 22-year-old striker, joined on a staggering £34 million deal after excelling in Real Madrid's academy and helping the club claim the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. Palacios, a 21-year-old attacking midfielder, arrived for £8.5 million after demonstrating his talent in Real Madrid's youth ranks. These two players will now work with Fulham's former academy coach and current manager Álvaro Arbeloa, further solidifying the connection to Real Madrid's youth system.",
  "summary": "Explore 15 Real Madrid stars, from Mesut Özil to Claude Makelele, who made the switch to Premier League clubs, including Fulham’s latest signings. Read More: https://punchng.com/from-ozil-to-makelele-15-real-madrid-stars-to-join-premier-league-clubs/",
  "key_points": [
    "Fulham signed Gonzalo García and César Palacios from Real Madrid",
    "García and Palacios are former Real Madrid academy players",
    "Both players bolster Fulham's squad with Premier League experience"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport Football",
        "title": "Real Madrid make Vinicius Jr improved contract offer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/real-madrid-make-vinicius-jr-improved-contract-offer",
        "published": "2026-08-05T17:59:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Real Madrid make Vinicius Jr improved contract offer",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/real-madrid-make-vinicius-jr-improved-contract-offer-191862",
        "published": "2026-08-05T21:17:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Real Madrid finally secure €140m Yan Diomande agreement with RB Leipzig",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/real-madrid-finally-secure-140m-yan-diomande-agreement-with-rb-leipzig",
        "published": "2026-08-06T11:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}