Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has claimed that it would be impossible to sign Kylian Mbappe or Erling Braut Haaland without the European Super League.
The 74-year-old has been a staunch supporter of the breakaway competition, but the plans are now in tatters after the Big Six Premier League clubs, as well as AC Milan, Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, announced their withdrawals from the tournament.
Perez had previously refused to rule out a bid for Paris Saint-Germain's Mbappe, but the Real president has now affirmed that a move for the Frenchman or Borussia Dortmund's Haaland is not feasible without the Super League.
Speaking to El Larguero, the Real Madrid president said: "In general, there will not be big transfers this summer. When money does not flow from the rich clubs to the poor clubs, everyone suffers.
"It's impossible to make signings like Mbappe and Haaland - in general, not just for Real Madrid, without the Super League.
"If we don't sign Mbappe this summer, I don't think any fan will shoot himself in the head. They know we're doing our best, and if things don't happen, it's because they're impossible."
However, Real Madrid are understood to have agreed a five-year deal with David Alaba, who will join as a free agent when he leaves Bayern Munich this summer.
Ben Knapton
