Looks like Madrid's lack of galactic activity on the market this transfer season might have something to do with Spain's new tv-rights distribution scheme; one that will see some smaller teams, for example, double their tv-related income. Apparently the new regulation, opposed by none but Madrid on last year's September vote, will make it impossible for the big two to sell their television rights separatedly - specially the international portions of those packages.
One curious comment from Tebas, La Liga's honcho, is his asseverances that the big two's income will not be affected severely, Atlético's will stay around the same, while other team's such as Real Betis will be considerably higher. (I don't see CR7's fifth car lease happening this year I'm afraid

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I find it curious because if it will stay the same - Madrid's income that is - while the rest of the league will be more competitive salary and transfer wise, they oughta be looking to replenish their roster, not be dormant. Last time they won the CL two years ago they broke the galáctico piggy bank as well; while this year aftermath has been extremely quiet to say the least.