The haggling is done. The deal is complete. Now the question: is he really worth it?

Gareth Bale is finally the property of Real Madrid. The blockbuster transfer of 2013 makes him the costliest player in soccer history. The Spanish giants were determined to get their man Sunday but even by their exorbitant standards the young Welshman has cost an arm and a leg.

Clichéd though it sounds, it is nonetheless true: every player has his price. The valuation, in Bale's case reported to be 100 million euros ($132 million US), is the result of one reluctant vendor and one zealous purchaser settling on an acceptable number. Both walks away from the bargaining table believing he has the better part of the transaction.  

Whether you and I think this new world record transfer fee is insane is irrelevant. Madrid could have spent the cash paying off the national debt of a small third world country but this is the entertainment industry where box office is king.

Brazilian starlet Neymar is now wearing a Barcelona jersey. Madrid was forced to respond with a big money signing of its own. For Madrid, being the second best team in Spain is simply not an option. The ongoing game of One-upmanship between Spain's twin juggernauts will continue until Hell freezes over.