Real Madrid’s summer spending spree faces early test as new signings eye Real Betis clash

Real Madrid dropped roughly €260 million this summer on a squad overhaul. Six first-team signings, two of them free transfers, and a potential club-record deal pushed the total into that figure. The September 4 clash against Real Betis at 15:00 is shaping up as the first meaningful audition for José Mourinho’s retooled roster, with at least one new arrival potentially making a debut appearance. The summer haul Ibrahima Konaté arrived from Liverpool on a free transfer, signing a deal through 2030. Bernardo Silva made the same journey from Manchester City, penning a contract until 2028. The paid signings filled specific tactical gaps. Marc Cucurella came from Chelsea for approximately €55 million to shore up the left-back spot. Denzel Dumfries moved from Inter Milan for around €20 million to provide competition and depth at right-back. Young striker Carlos Espí was plucked from Levante for €25 million. Yan Diomande arrived from RB Leipzig in a deal that could reach €140 million when all add-ons are factored in, a figure that would represent a club-record fee for Real Madrid. What the Betis match means Several of the new arrivals already made their competitive debuts around August 22,...