A bombshell was dropped on the Bernabeu on 10 July 2018. Months of negotiations had proved futile. Cristiano Ronaldo, after inspiring Real Madrid to 15 trophies in nine seasons, had signed for Juventus. Merengue president Florentino Perez promised “new, magnificent players”. Plan A was reportedly Neymar; Plan B Kylian Mbappe; and Plan C Eden Hazard or Robert Lewandowski. Ultimately, no marquee signing walked through the gates that had welcomed Galacticos galore.