Real Madrid basically created the "Gallacticos" spending model, and drove valuations of superstar-level players through the roof. We are now at the point where very average players are selling for between $20-$40M, and the elite are valued well over $100M+. The ensuring arms race triggered by this approach has been financially disastrous for many clubs. The reason that Real Madrid and Barcelona are pushing so hard for this is because they are both in debt to the tune of $1B+, and they frankly need a huge cash infusion.