Numerous European clubs circled the soon-to-be free agent, with Juventus again back in the fray amid huge media speculation, but Real Madrid soon emerged in November through December 1998 as his most likely destination. In January 1999, it was reported that McManaman was talking to Real with the player reportedly offered £60,000 a week and nearly £2 million as a signing on fee. On 30 January, McManaman passed a medical and signed an official pre-contract with the club which would make him the best paid British footballer to date. He declined to pose in a Real Madrid shirt at the contract signing event, out of respect for Liverpool's fans.