Real Madrid are reaching a point where a major squad rebuild will become necessary. A number of key performers like Sergio Ramos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema are well into their thirties and will soon need to be replaced.
At the same time, there are a lot of players in the squad that are not part of manager Zinedine Zidane’s plans at the Santiago Bernabeu. So, there is likely to be a lot of transfer activity at the Spanish capital club when the transfer window opens for business.
But who will be shown the door and who will survive the axe? We assess the possibilities.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois
Has improved drastically after a sloppy start to the season. Undisputed no. 1 at the Bernabeu.
Verdict: Stays.
Alphonse Areola
On loan from PSG, the Frenchman is unlikely to stay beyond this season owing to the emergence of Andriy Lunin, who is currently away on loan at Oviedo.
Verdict: Leaves.
Defence
Raphael Varane
Continues to be linked with a Jose Mourinho team as is the case every transfer window. However, the World Cup winner is the natural successor for Sergio Ramos and is going nowhere.
Verdict: Stays.
Eder Militao
Signed in a big-money deal last summer, the Brazilian has flattered to deceive. Although, the lack of an extended run of games has impacted Eder’s form.
There has been a lot of interest in securing his services ahead of the summer window. However, it is unlikely that any of the suitors would be able to meet Real Madrid’s valuation of the defender, with finances being hit by the current crisis.
Verdict: Stays.
Sergio Ramos
The Real Madrid captain’s contract is on the verge of expiry in a year. While there is no doubt he will stay at the club, it is time for the club to start the search for a long-term replacement for the Spaniard.
Verdict: Stays.
Nacho
Real Madrid’s utility man has struggled for form and fitness in the ongoing campaign. The Merengues are in need of injecting some fresh blood into their defence. And with interest from Lazio and Sevilla, the time might be right to move the academy man on this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
Ferland Mendy
Ferland Mendy's (L) stock has been on the rise within Real Madrid. Image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou
The Frenchman endured a slow start to life in Spain but has begun to make an impression. Looks ready to take over as the first-choice left-back next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Marcelo
The 31-year-old remains a key player for Zinedine Zidane’s side. And even though he is likely to fall behind Mendy in the pecking order next term, he is expected to stay put at the Bernabeu.
Verdict: Stays.
Dani Carvajal
The Spaniard remains the undisputed first-choice right-back at Real Madrid, although that could change next season when Achraf Hakimi returns from his loan spell. Nevertheless, he will be a part of Zidane’s squad.
Verdict: Stays.
Read | How the coronavirus crisis is likely to affect the transfer market
Midfielders
Casemiro
The midfield linchpin for Real Madrid.
Verdict: Stays.
Federico Valverde
Has enjoyed a scintillating breakthrough campaign and is being groomed to take over from the ageing Luka Modric. Signed a new long-term deal with a huge release clause. There has been interest from Manchester United, but there’s no way he is leaving.
Verdict: Stays.
Toni Kroos
The German international turned 30 earlier this year, but is going strong. Signed a new contract not very long ago and will continue to essay an important role.
Verdict: Stays.
Luka Modric
The Croatian has been a brilliant servant for Real Madrid. But he will be 35 by the time the next season starts and has just a year left on his current contract. There has been interest from Inter Milan, while a move to the MLS has also been mooted.
Verdict: Leaves.
Isco
The former Golden Boy award winner enjoys the manager’s trust and his ability to play in midfield and on the wings makes him a useful quantity for Real Madrid.
Verdict: Stays.
James Rodriguez
The Colombian has never been a part of Zidane’s plans at Real Madrid, not during the Frenchman’s first stint at the club, nor now. An exit beckons.
Verdict: Leaves.
Reinier Jesus
The youngster’s transfer was completed only in January. The 18-year-old is regarded as the next big thing in Brazil and has a bright future ahead of him. However, he is likely to be more involved with the Castilla team next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Brahim Diaz
Brahim Diaz's return to Los Blancos has not been a good time. Image courtesy: AFP / Ander Gillenea
Signed from Manchester City in January last year, the Spaniard has failed to kick on since returning to his boyhood club. With Martin Odegaard expected to slot in into the first-team next term, his chances will be further hampered. An exit, on loan if not permanent, is a strong possibility.
Verdict: Leaves.
Attackers
Eden Hazard
The marquee signing of last summer has struggled to get going in his debut season in Madrid. Given his quality, expect him to make some serious waves next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Vinicius Junior
The Brazilian winger has shown signs of potential, but it is time for him to step it up a notch and perform consistently.
Verdict: Stays.
Read | Who could stay or leave this summer? Arsenal’s squad assessed
Marco Asensio
Rated as one of the best young players in Spain, Asensio has not featured this season due to ongoing injury problems. Once fit, he will be an asset for Real Madrid.
Verdict: Stays.
Rodrygo
Another youngster who has shown signs of his potential this season, Rodrygo is expected to play a more integral role going forward at Real Madrid.
Verdict: Stays.
Gareth Bale
Every transfer window it’s the same situation with Bale and Real Madrid. Will he stay, will he leave? Things haven’t always been good between the Welshman and Zidane.
But will any team be able to afford paying Bale’s transfer fee and his wages next season, with the prevailing conditions? Seems unlikely. This means he is likely to end up staying at the club.
Verdict: Stays.
Lucas Vazquez
The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid. And when given a chance, he has failed to grasp the opportunity. Has just a year left on his contract and the club will want to cash in. Time to move on for the winger.
Verdict: Leaves.
Karim Benzema
The Real Madrid ace striker has taken over as the club’s chief goalscorer since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Is an extremely important player.
Verdict: Stays.
Luka Jovic
Signed last summer in a mega money deal, things have hardly gone to plan for the Serbian international. However, given his age and potential, the club are likely to give him another chance to come good next season.
Verdict: Stays.
Mariano Diaz
The 26-year-old has hardly been used by Zidane this season. The Frenchman had sold him once before and it is likely to happen once again this summer.
Verdict: Leaves.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Pierre-Philippe Marcou
