How Real Madrid's Summer Exits Have Fared so Far

After months of speculation, Gareth Bale finally joined Real Madrid—completing a significant summer spending spree by the club. Joining the left-footed speedster were Asier Illarramendi, Casemiro, Dani Carvajal and Isco.

With so much new talent arriving at the Bernabeu, it was easy to overlook the big names leaving the Spanish capital.

With a quarter of the season gone, it's time to check-in with those departures and see how they are doing. There are varying levels of success amongst the crew, but some of these names won't be forgotten easily.

From excess defenders to the leading assist man in Europe, Real Madrid offloaded some substantial players in the summer window—let's see how they are faring thus far.

Michael Essien, Chelsea

While technically not a transfer, Michael Essien was shipped back to London this summer. Essien provided an athletic body in middle of the park for Los Blancos last term. The Ghanaian midfielder registered 21 league appearances for the side, 19 of them starts. 

Things have not been as rosy back at Stamford Bridge.

Essien has played but one match this season—in the Capital One Cup. 

The 30-year-old has plenty left in the tank, but has been overlooked in favor of Ramires, Frank Lampard, and others in the middle. The 'Bison' wasn't even selected as a squad member for the group stage of the Champions League.

There is no question that Essien is talented. He is strong, dynamic, and has a remarkable work-rate. But, the player might be considering a move if he can't find the field soon.

Ricardo Carvalho, A.S. Monaco

Ricardo Carvalho's stay at Real Madrid was over long before the defender secured his move to Monaco. After publicly declaring he was surplus to requirements at the Bernabeu last year, Jose Mourinho made it clear that the Portuguese defender had no future with the side.

Carvalho has a new lease on life with the Ligue 1 contenders.

The 35-year-old is averaging more than 45 passes per game and completing those attempts at a rate of 86.2 percent, according to WhoScored.com.

He has a commanding presence in the back line, and Monaco are flying high at second place in the league. With just eight goals conceded after 11 matches, Carvalho can be proud of his performances for his new club.

José Callejón, Napoli

Supremely gifted but never a bonafide star, Jose Callejon seems to be finding a home in Serie A.

The wide forward has pace to burn, but struggled to fit in a side that boasted Cristiano Ronaldo and Angel Di Maria as its wingers.

Callejon might have found his scoring touch. Joining a trio of players that swapped Madrid for Napoli, the 26-year-old has scored four times in nine league appearances and once in the Champions League. Hiding as a substitute for much of his young career, it's about time that Callejon got a run of games in a top side.

While Callejon's talents have more than been replaced back at Madrid, he is a solid player capable of contributing to nearly any team in Europe.

Raúl Albiol, Napoli

Another defender who lost his place at Madrid, Raul Albiol followed the trend by swapping Spain for Italy. La Liga's breakthrough player of the year in 2006, Albiol had a decent stint with Los Blancos—playing 81 times for the side.

With Sergio Ramos and Pepe first choice centre backs, and Raphael Varane the man of the future, Albiol was soon on the outside looking in.

Napoli picked up a great defender. Albiol is only 28 years of age, and has made 43 appearances for the national side.He is physically imposing, experienced and well-rounded.

It might be a tall task to catch the red-hot Roma side, but Napoli's additions this summer signify that the club are on their way to the top.

Gonzalo Higuaín, Napoli

After flirting with a move to North London all summer long, Gonzalo Higuain finally left the Bernabeu—for Naples. Despite the surprise switch, Higuain completed what was a trio of one-way flights from Madrid to the Italian city.

The striker has always been capable of scoring. Despite rarely solidifying his spot in the starting XI, Higuain tallied a remarkable 107 goals in 190 league games for Los Blancos. His record for his national side is even more telling—in 34 caps, Higuain has scored 21 times.

The scoring hasn't stopped at his new home.

After nine games, the Argentinian has notched five goals, good enough for 5th in the league. Karim Benzema—his former competition—has struggled of late back at Madrid, with Alvaro Morata breathing down his neck.

Higuain is missed for his consistency, but he deserves a starting role on a contending team. After all, he is just 25 years old.

Kaká, A.C. Milan

Kaka's four seasons at Real Madrid were unfortunate. His performances for the club were above average—but Los Blancos didn't shell out €65 million for a decent playmaker.

Kaka was the world's best. A champions league winner and Ballon d'or recipient, the Brazilian midfielder was brought on board to push Madrid back to the top of world football.

They got there, but not because of him.

While Kaka boasts a decent goal return from his time in Spain—23 goals in 85 league appearances—he was never the creative dynamo he was at Milan. After seeing through his contract, Kaka moved back to the club that saw the best years of his career.

At age 31, he should have a few more of those left.

A good run of form could see him force his way back into the world cup squad, but Madrid's additions of Isco and Bale have more than replaced his absence back in La Liga.

Mesut Özil, Arsenal

The one that got away.

Arsenal spent most of the transfer window linked with Gonzalo Higuain, before brief speculation placed Angel Di Maria amongst their ranks.

But with the coup of the year, the Gunners managed to snatch Mesut Ozil away from the Spanish giants.

Despite leading the team with 13 Liga assists last term—second in the league—Madrid felt comfortable enough letting him leave.

Not without drama however. At Gareth Bale's introduction ceremony, fans could be heard chanting for the German to be kept in the side.

The 25-year-old has been phenomenal in England.

Ozil has notched three assists and two scores in just six Premier League outings. Arsenal are flying high at the top of the table, and convincing wins over Marseille and Napoli in the Champions League leave the club in a good spot. 

Real Madrid haven't exactly struggled this term, but only a foolish man would say that Ozil's absence hasn't been felt.