Real Madrid and Barcelona are the biggest players in the national transfer market. Of the €388 million spent by Spanish clubs, 62% comes from money invested by the country's two biggest clubs. Having only bought Neymar for €57 million, Barça is not amongst the ten clubs which have spent the most money. The difference compared to its biggest rival is spectacular (€126 million).

When it comes to income, the Catalan club is seventh in the list of clubs which have banked the most money in exchange for players. The sale of Thiago to Bayern was the key to balancing the books of Rosell's outfit. This summer has seen Barcelona bring in the fewest reinforcements in 25 years.

According to a report by Prime Time Sport, historically Barcelona has had more trouble selling its players than Real Madrid. Over the last five years, it is fourth in the sales table, with a total income of €145 million. It is also fourth in terms of purchases, having invested €360 million.

Barça, however, is the club whose players stay there for the longest, whilst Madrid is Spain's fourth-ranked club in this regard.

Both clubs tend to make few signings, but reap a high degree of success from the players who they bring in to their squads. They will both be fighting for every title, and over the course of the season we will see whether the expense is justified or if they will need to look at striking new deals in the future.